Join me as I take you behind the scenes at our medical centre in the Gold Coast (dubbed a Coronavirus Hotspot by the news) to see how we clean the practice, triage patients and prepare for our day in the midst of a Coronavirus outbreak.
Outside of the door we have clear signs advising patients who think they may have Coronavirus or have symptoms of the virus to stop and call us for advice. We have posters and information of the local testing centres clearly displayed as we are not geared up to have in-house testing.
We start the day by disinfecting common areas with medicinal grade detergent, including the reception desk, doctors office, appliances and any waiting room surfaces. We ensure that patients are seated well away from one another to avoid any spread of infection in a closed space.
Patients call in for appointments and will be triaged by reception or a nurse to ensure that they are not putting other sick patients at risk. It is easy to forget that medical centres need to remain open to cater for those who may be suffering from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, lung problems or cancer. It is of utmost importance to ensure that such patients are not subjected to any potential Coronavirus sufferers in the waiting room. All patients are required to use hand sanitiser and are offered masks if warranted.
Patients who are deemed unable to attend the practice are offered telehealth consultations in lieu of a face-to-face consult.
For added safety, front line staff such as receptionists and doctors use N95 masks and other protective gear during their working day to minimise any potential exposure. These are then disposed of and areas are disinfected again.
So far, to date we have not had any Coronavirus patients or suspected patients. This could only be possible with a team effort from the staff and from you as patients. We request that you call in to book an appointment so we can assess the nature of your visit.
As a medical doctor, I urge you to help flatten the curve, be sure to follow strict social distancing of 1.5m, practice regular thorough hand washing, self-isolate and avoid large crowds. Together, as a world, we can combat Coronavirus.
Join me next time where I take you through some patient experiences of Coronavirus.
I hope you’ve found this video useful and always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line below.
WHERE TO BUY P2 MASKS
Amazon: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=p2+mask
Bunnings: http://bit.ly/bunningsp2
eBay: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=p2+mask
Officeworks: http://bit.ly/officeworksp2
COMPANION VIDEOS
How to Wear a Mask: https://youtu.be/ftm6aKaf0IM
Coronavirus Q&A: https://youtu.be/hCucUd5KeJo
Working in Chinatown: https://youtu.be/e1F0EyiR7eQ
Finding a P2 Mask Vlog: https://youtu.be/gJ9dQqfT0zY
Flu Season: https://youtu.be/vZBCL-PgarA
Take care and stay healthy,
Dr Nora
MUSIC
beatsbyNeVs - IDGAF: https://youtu.be/-SvUHTebsYc
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
Recent guidelines from the World Health Organisation have suggested that we should all carry out strict hand hygiene. This means washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly for at least 30 seconds. Hard surfaces such as door handles, shopping baskets and even mobile phone screens harbour bacteria and viruses which can easily spread from one person to another propagating the virus.
Secondly, it has been suggested that we maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from anyone close by that could be coughing or sneezing. This is because when we sneeze, air droplets travel at a speed of around 100mph.
Thirdly, the WHO, NIOSH, FDA and CDC have all suggested that N95/P2 masks should be worn by those who are directly treating or managing suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases or if you yourself has symptoms of coronavirus.
Due to the worldwide shortage of masks, the CDC have recommended that the N95 masks can be used for up to 8 hours as long as they are not soiled, damp or wet as this can reduce the efficacy of the mask.
One of the commonest questions I am asked is whether these masks are reusable. These particular masks are disposable and after being worn they should be disposed in a closed bin and hands should be washed thoroughly. Similarly, it is not possible to wash the masks as they will loose their integrity.
If you are unable to get your hands on a mask and are concerned, then the CDC does recommend other masks such as; N99, N100, P95, P99, P100, R95 and R99. These are at least or more effective than the N95.
There are other larger and bulkier masks that are reusable, but do require disinfecting after use. They too come with filters varying from 95-99%. Such masks include - Elastometric Halt Face respirator and Powered Air Purifying Respirator (full face).
President Of America, Donald Trump recently had a meeting with the major pharmaceutical companies of the world and they have advised that they are currently working on a vaccine which will undergo human tests in April with a roll out of a vaccine by the end of the year.
The most important take away point from this video is to practice good habits with regular thorough hand hygiene. With this, we can stop the propagation of this virus.
WHERE TO BUY P2 MASKS
Amazon: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=p2+mask
Bunnings: http://bit.ly/bunningsp2
eBay: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=p2+mask
Officeworks: http://bit.ly/officeworksp2
COMPANION VIDEOS
How to Protect Yourself with Facial Masks: https://youtu.be/ftm6aKaf0IM
Novel Coronavirus: https://youtu.be/gJ9dQqfT0zY
Diagnosing Coronavirus: https://youtu.be/e1F0EyiR7eQ
Flu Season: https://youtu.be/vZBCL-PgarA
I hope you’ve found this video useful and always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line below.
Take care and stay healthy.
Dr Nora
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
Whether you’re using them to protect yourself from bushfire fumes, viruses or simply a fashion statement, in today’s episode of Dr Nora I take you through the surgical, P2 and N95 mask. Discussing what each are used for, how to perform a fit check and how to safely dispose of used masks.
SURGICAL MASKS
Surgical masks were originally designed to be used by surgeons helping to keep bugs from their mouth and nose from entering the sterile surgical field and thus reducing the chance of infection. As they are not tight fitting however, they do not provide protection against viruses. They are useful to use if you yourself, has flu like symptoms and do not wish to spread your illness to others.
P2/N95 MASK
Both the P2 and N95 mask block at least 95% of small particles. The difference between the two is where their testing requirements originated from, the N95 being tested in the USA and the P2 by European standards.
P2 RESPIRATORS
P2 respirators are considered to be sufficient for protection against viruses, however, in your local hardware store you may find some masks that offer additional protection to fumes, odours and pesticides. Always read the label to ensure adequate protection for your use.
HOW TO USE THE MASKS
It is very important that when using these masks they are fitted correctly. A fit check must be performed which ensures that there is no leakage of air around the mask on both inhalation and exhalation. To perform this, simply breath in and out with your hands around the mask to ensure there is no leakage. If you suspect there is an air leak readjust and tighten the mask.
DO’S AND DON'TS
Do cease using the mask if it becomes moist or soiled
Do a fit check prior to using mask
Do take off the mask once outside of the contaminated area
Do wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after use
Do not touch the outside of the mask
Do not hang the mask around the neck
Do not reuse masks
WHERE TO BUY P2 MASKS
Amazon: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=p2+mask
Bunnings: http://bit.ly/bunningsp2
eBay: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=p2+mask
Officeworks: http://bit.ly/officeworksp2
COMPANION VIDEOS
Novel Coronavirus: https://youtu.be/gJ9dQqfT0zY
Flu Season: https://youtu.be/vZBCL-PgarA
Cervical Screening: https://youtu.be/c26OVcHPr4o
Type 2 Diabetes: https://youtu.be/UUBuDnVqpkM
I hope you’ve found this video useful and always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line below.
Take care and stay healthy,
Dr Nora
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
If you’re thinking of going to Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild or Australian Outback. May is the month to go! ThemeParks.com.au are offering a 100% discount to medical professionals, emergency services, teachers and educational staff and defence force personnel.
