TO: UMKC Medical Students, Residents and Fellows
From: Mark Steele, M.D, Executive Chief Clinical Officer
Matt Gratton, M.D., Incident Command Center, Chief Medical Officer
Date: June 12, 2020
Subject: University Health Lakewood Medical Center – Procedures for Wellness Screening, Building Entrance, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Other Issues
We are happy to have our Medical Students returning, and welcome new Residents and Fellows to University Health! There are a few important changes to note in light of current COVID-19 Pandemic.
I. Wellness Screening:
o New cough
o Fever
o Shortness of air
o Chills
o Muscle pain
o Sore throat
o New loss of taste or smell
o Have you tested positive or been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 or worked or visited a facility in which there was a known outbreak?
Any Student, Resident or Fellow with any of the above symptoms or exposures should not enter TMC and should:
o Follow the sick day policies as outlined by your program
o Contact your Clerkship Director and Coordinator or Program Director and Coordinator and TMC Occupational Health (816-404- 2270)
o Contact UMKC Student Health and Wellness (816-235-6133)
II. Entrances to the Medical Centers
The following entrances are the only acceptable entrances to University Health. Always use hand sanitizer when you enter, and frequently throughout the day.
o University Health Sciences District:
o Fourth Floor entrance from UMKC Medical School
o Lobby entrance accessed through the garage
o University Health Lakewood Medical Center:
o North Dock Entrance
o South Entrance
III. Personal Protective Equipment
Masks should be worn at all times while on site at University Health.
o All Residents and Students will be given a level one mask upon entering the building
o Fit testing for N95 masks will be provided by University Health Occupational Health
o Students, Residents and Fellows are responsible for maintaining and turning in their N95 masks for sanitization at the end of each day the mask is actually used. Masks are sanitized five times and then a new N95 will be issued. Please see next page for instructions on N95 mask reprocessing. Masks will be discarded after the 3rd reprocessing or when damaged or saturated
o Level one masks should also be worn over N95 masks when performing aerosolizing procedures, stage two labor or entering isolation rooms in order to protect the longevity of the mask
o Please ensure that donning and doffing instructions posted outside isolation rooms are followed
o See attached University Health PPE Guide
o Medical Students generally will not enter isolation rooms. Discuss with attending physician for possible exceptions
IV. Personal Work Spaces, Distancing and Hand Hygiene
Please remember to keep at least six feet of personal distance between yourself and others while in work spaces. Daily cleaning of your personal work area is also appreciated. In addition to normal hand hygiene practices, hand sanitizer will be located at all entrances and exits of University Health. At least a level 1 mask should be on at all times when in University Health, unless you are alone in a room and/or if eating or drinking. At those times, particularly, you should maintain appropriate distances between people.
As always, if you have questions about anything related to wellness, PPE, or appropriate practices, please ask your Program Director or Program Coordinator.
Process for N95 Mask Reprocessing
• With a sharp tipped permanent marker the team member is to clearly write their initials, employee number, date the mask was first used and facility (UHLMC or HSD) on the front of the mask. This will ensure that the mask/respirator will be returned to the correct Health Care Professional (HCP). If you do not have a UH employee number please write both your first and last name on the mask
• After using the mask the HCP will inspect the respirator to ensure that it is not damaged nor has any signs of defect from use.
• HCP will then ensure that the mask is clearly labeled with the information above.
• HCP will label a paper bag as “dirty” along with the location either UHLMC or HSD and complete a label with their name, employee number (if applicable) and location UHLMC or HSD. This label will be placed on a clean bag once the respirator has been reprocessed. This label is used to assist you in identifying your mask for pick up in the clean area. Please make sure that you clearly write this information on the sticker.
• Place the “dirty” mask in the designated drop off location(s) within you facility.
Mask Processing
• IPD and/or trained staff will retrieve the dirty masks and take them to identified reprocessing location for Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)
• IPD and/or trained staff will also inspect the mask and clean the straps with approved cleaning solution. Staff will take care to ensure cleaning solution does not soak into the fabric portion of the mask.
• IPD and/or trained staff will then tally on the front of the mask the additional cycle that was completed. These will allow all staff to clearly see how many times/cycles of UVGI the mask has undergone.
• Staff will complete the UVGI cycle. This cycle is not to exceed 15 minutes.
• After the cycle IPD and/or trained staff will then place the mask in a clean paper bag and place the corresponding sticker on the bag.
• Clean masks will be returned to the clean supply and PPE distribution area for staff to pick up.
Clean Mask Pickup
• HCP will be directed to the clean supply and PPE distribution area for Mask pickup
• HCP will inspect the mask to ensure it is in good condition. If damage is noted please report it to the clean supply and PPE distribution center staff for a replacement mask.
• At the end of the shift the HCP will follow the above process for mask reprocessing.