Important information for Radiographers and Radiation Therapists in relation to COVID-19
Dear Colleagues,
Please see some important information below in light of the evolving COVID-19 situation for our members.
Advice and guidance
We would direct our members to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website for the most up to date information and guidance in relation to the Coronavirus at www.hpsc.ie. The website has a dedicated section which provides advice and guidance for healthcare workers and there are many useful resources within including poster and video resources. There is also a very useful FAQ section and several reference risk assessment algorithms to facilitate patient triage in the healthcare setting.
The HSE and WHO websites are other sources of useful information and resources, which are constantly being updated.
Infection Prevention and Control
In relation to hand hygiene and infection prevention and control we recommend that all HSE members undertake the following educational modules on HSEland.ie:
- Hand Hygiene for HSE Clinical Staff
- Breaking the chain of infection
- Introduction to infection prevention and control
For non HSE staff information on infection prevention and control and also be found at:
In particular we would advise all of our members to view an educational video on how to put on and take off personal protective equipment correctly when dealing with suspect or positive Covid-19 cases in order to protect yourself and other service users. The link to the video is as follows:
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/videoresources/
CPD Events
We have heeded the official public health advice to avoid unnecessary group meetings to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread and as such a number of upcoming IIRRT events and IIRRT endorsed events have been postponed until further notice. We will continue to follow public health advice in order to protect our members and colleagues and we will provide updates on any upcoming future events or rescheduled events as soon as a decision is made. Refunds of any registration fees paid for any cancelled/postponed events will be issued accordingly.
Redeployment
The IIRRT recognise that in unprecedented times such as these, our members may be called upon to redeploy in order to cover and protect essential frontline services in line with HSE policy. If you are redeployed it is important to remember that while you may be asked to perform task or duties outside of your traditional scope of practice, that you must always abide by the CORU code of professional conduct and ethics for radiographers and radiation therapists. In particular you should be mindful that you are accountable for your actions and that you should only operate ‘within the limits of your knowledge, skills, competence and experience’. The full code of professional conduct and ethics can be found at the following location:
Working arrangements
The IIRRT recognises the need to provide essential frontline healthcare services even during public health crisis events such as this whilst also recognising the need to safeguard our members health and wellbeing. We encourage members to engage with their line managers and employer to develop flexible service provision and contingency plans which represent a balance between these competing requirements, which are founded upon published guidelines.
Thank you
Finally, the IIRRT recognises the hard work, dedication and professionalism which is shown by our members up and down the country, not only during challenging times such as these, but each and every day to provide quality, safe and effective care for our patients. Please remember that IIRRT stands with you and we thank you.
Dean Harper
IIRRT President