| Province Clarifies N95 Position |
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The Provincial Government has sent a letter to the CEO of each Regional Health Authority clarifying their position on the use of N95 respirators. The letter, sent by Deputy Minister of Health and Healthy Living Arlene Wilgosh, states As we have seen on several issues throughout the H1N1 pandemic situation, new and changing scientific evidence often emerges. Therefore, Manitoba Health and Healthy Living is recommending all health facilities ensure that all staff can access N95 respirator masks and other personal protective equipment in situations that could put them at risk for exposure to influenza-like illnesses (ILI), including H1N1. As you know, MNU's position is that all nurses working with or near patients demonstrating ILI symptoms should wear N95 respirators, and we encourage nurses to ask for N95s in these situations. If you have concerns over the availability of N95 respirators and other appropriate PPE in your facility, or if you are discouraged from using an N95, raise the issue with your local/worksite president and your Workplace Safety and Health representative. If the issue is not resolved, further concerns may be directed to WSH Labour Relations Officer Glenda Doerksen, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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