| MNU H1N1 Special Report |
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The MNU produced a special edition of the Front Lines Magazine to inform our members about H1N1. The magazine, recently mailed out to MNU members, covered specific infection policies and procedures, the use of N95 masks and what we learned from the Spring 2009 Pandemic. Manitoba saw over 800 lab-confirmed cases across the province. As a result, the health care system's preparedness and ability to cope with the emergency situation was put to the test. For the safety and health of patients and nurses alike, MNU recommended that Manitoba Health make every effort to maximize a volunteer pool that would be ready to be redeployed at short notice. MNU also recommended that Manitoba Health encourage the use of N95 respirators for all nurses dealing with suspected or confirmed H1N1 patients, that fit-testing take place 24/7 until all healthcare workers had been properly fitted, that the use of recommended PPE in affected areas be made mandatory, and that all facilities have easy access to a stockpile of PPE. |
