The new corona virus has created a strained time in healthcare in the Stockholm region. Lack of materials, places of care and personnel have become very topical in recent weeks. The region has now issued new instructions for the type of equipment to be worn by doctors treating patients infected with covid-19. Instructions met with strong criticism from the health care personnel concerned.
"It's a disaster" One of those who is critical is Clara Strömberg, head safety representative at Södersjukhuset.
- It's a disaster. The staff are scared and I suspect that people will take sick leave if you have to work in the covid section without full protective equipment, says Clara Strömberg.
Healthcare professionals have long been calling for protective equipment that was missing at several hospitals. At the same time, healthcare professionals in other countries have used double protective gloves and comprehensive protective clothing when treating sick patients, so as not to become infected.
- I suspect it is the availability of protective equipment that has created the new guidelines. This is a highly questionable decision and I feel uncomfortable. This is a deadly disease that has hit healthcare workers in Italy far more severely than the rest of the population, says Johan Styrud.
According to Johan Styrud, the lack of clear directives from the employer has also created uncertainty among the healthcare staff.
- All medical work is based on evidence. We do nothing that has not been proven. What evidence is there that it is harmless to wear short-sleeved protective suits when treating covid patients? asks Johan Styrud, chief physician at Danderyd's hospital.
The Stockholm region rejects that the change would increase the risk of infection, as long as you otherwise follow the guidelines and disinfect their forearms.
- If used properly, it should suffice with a short sleeve. If you have elements with a high risk of clothing becoming contaminated then you should use long sleeves, says the regional chief physician Elda Sparrelid to SVT.
- Any evidence of what protective equipment you need is not at all yet, other than that it has been established that it is a contact and drip infection. And if we handle other patients with contact and drip infection this way, this should be sufficient for the vast majority of work.
According to Elda Sparrelid, it is not difficult today to find long-sleeved protective coats, but she believes that you should not overuse them so you later run the risk of getting into a shortage situation.
How do you see that the Public Health Authority recommends long-sleeved?
- Yes, they remain with the old recommendation, but also open up to local guidelines. They have chosen to settle on that level and I cannot comment on why they chose not to change it, says Elda Sparrelid.