PCR CT

Summary

The requester asked for PCR cycle thresholds, scientific advice on lockdowns, and risk assessments regarding face masks. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed two PPE risk assessment documents for healthcare staff but withheld information on PCR thresholds and specific scientific advisors, citing partial exemptions.

Key Facts

• The response included two Manx Care PPE Risk Assessments for COVID-19 (Level 1 and Level 2).
• The Level 1 assessment was dated 11 August 2020 and reviewed on 11 October 2021.
• The Level 2 assessment was dated 29 September 2020 and ratified by the Senior Clinical and Public Health Leadership Group.
• Fit testing for FFP3 masks was available for 2,000 staff across the DHSC.
• Information regarding PCR Cycle Amplification Thresholds and the names of scientists advising on lockdowns was not provided in the disclosed documents.

Data Disclosed

• 11 August 2020
• 11/10/21
• 29th September 2020
• 2,000 staff
• Risk Rating 15
• Risk Rating 10
• Risk Rating 25
• 2 metre distance

Original Request

Can you confirm: 1) the RECOMMENDED Cycle Amplification Threshold for the PCR tests used in the Isle Of Man 2) if guidance from scientists and epidemiologists has been sought to influence the decisions to lockdown the island 3) the names of the above scientists and epidemiologists and their credentials 4) a risk assessment has been carried out, with regard to the wearing of face masks in public spaces 5) the long and short term effects of mask wearing have been considered before advising or suggesting that they should be worn Is the risk assessment conducted with regards to face masks available to the public? Where can an individual obtain a copy of the risk assessment?

Data Tables (7)

Full Response Text

RESPONSE LEVEL 1 Lead Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control/Senior Nurse Infection Prevention & Control Date: 11 August 2020 Review: 11/10/21 Ratified by: IPCC Oct 2020 MANX CARE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) RISK ASSESSMENT COVID-19
Key to Table This risk assessment includes all grades of staff in all parts Manx Care including Hospitals, Care Homes, Community and Social Care Location and nature of Assessment Hazard Persons at Risk Risk Rating (L x S) Existing Precautions (Refer to HSE Guidance if applicable) Revised Risk Rating (with precautions) (L x S) Additional Controls needed? (add comments) Healthcare Worker Patient Visitor Healthcare Staff within the DHSC undertaking care duties within a 2 metre distance of suspected and confirmed patients with
COVID-19
Levels 0-1
Coronavirus (Covid-19) droplet/ aerosol/direct contact and indirect contact transmission / spread x X x 3 x 5 (15) Compliance with Social Distancing if required by Government Policy.
This will not be possible during episodes of direct care therefore compliance with the following policies and guidelines are required in all areas DHSC Hand hygiene policy (2018) DHSC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy (2018) DHSC Isolation Policy (2018) DHSC Respiratory Virus Policy (2016) DHSC Interim Patient Flow SOP for Suspected and Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in Hospital (April 2020) Hospitals & Care Home admission screening
IPC Response plan -PPE Guidelines for Levels 1 & 2 2 x 5 (10 ) Checks of policy compliance by responsible managers Likelihood Rating (L) Assessment Severity Rating (S) Likely result Risk Rating (L x S) Rating 1 Almost impossible to occur Rating 1 No symptoms 0 – 8 (Low Risk) Rating 2 Unlikely Rating 2 Minor illness or symptoms Rating 3 Possible Rating 3 Expected symptoms- fever, dry cough, temperature
9 – 15 (Medium Risk) Rating 4 Very likely Rating 4 Long term/latent health conditions Rating 5 Almost certain Rating 5 Fatality or disabling conditions 16 + (High Risk) RESPONSE LEVEL 1 Lead Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control/Senior Nurse Infection Prevention & Control Date: 11 August 2020 Review: 11/10/21 Ratified by: IPCC Oct 2020

-Audit tool – Levels 2

Mandatory IPC COVID-19 eLearn Vannin training

Face to Face training is in place for Standard and Enhanced PPE across the DHSC

Ordering system in place to facilitate access to suitable and sufficient PPE to comply with policy and PHE guidance.

Team of procurement officers purchasing PPE with IPC advice

Fit Testing available for the use of FFP3 masks for aerosol generating procedures 2,000 staff across DHSC

Training for the use of positive pressure filtered air flow hoods including checking, testing, wearing and cleaning

Posters / Notices in place to comply with:-
Hand hygiene Donning and Doffing of PPE

Regular communication to DHSC staff including specific instruction regarding the use of PPE appropriately in various setting

Staff notice issued that uniforms must not be worn outside the workplace and directed that they must change at work. Directions for safe laundering at home RESPONSE LEVEL 1 Lead Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control/Senior Nurse Infection Prevention & Control Date: 11 August 2020 Review: 11/10/21 Ratified by: IPCC Oct 2020 given. Quality STREET system in place to provide assurance for correct PPE use Assessors Signature: S Read : Sharon Read/Margaret Knight
Date of Assessment:11/08/20 Review Date: 11/10/21 or earlier as advice changes

RESPONSE LEVEL 2 Lead Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control/Senior Nurse Infection Prevention & Control Date: 29th September 2020
Review: 11/10/21 Ratified by: Senior Clinical and Public Health Leadership Group/IPCC
MANX CARE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) RISK ASSESSMENT COVID-19
Key to Table This risk assessment includes all grades of staff in all parts of the DHSC including Hospitals, Care Homes, Community and Social Care Location and nature of Assessment Hazard Persons at Risk Risk Rating (L x S) Existing Precautions (Refer to HSE Guidance if applicable) Revised Risk Rating (with precautions) (L x S) Additional Controls needed? (add comments) Healthcare Worker Patient Visitor Healthcare Staff within the DHSC undertaking care duties within a 2 metre distance of suspected and confirmed patients with
COVID-19
Coronavirus (Covid-19) droplet/ aerosol/direct contact and indirect contact transmission / spread x X x 5 x 5 (25) Compliance with social distancing where possible. This will not be possible during episodes of direct care therefore compliance with the following policies and guidelines are required in all areas
DHSC Hand hygiene policy (2018) DHSC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy (2018) DHSC Isolation Policy (2018) DHSC Respiratory Virus Policy (2016) DHSC Interim Patient Flow SOP for Suspected and Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in Hospital (April 2020) IPC Response plan -PPE Guidelines for Levels 0-1 & 2-4 -Audit tool – Levels 2-4 2 x 5 (10 ) Checks of policy compliance by responsible managers Likelihood Rating (L) Assessment Severity Rating (S) Likely result Risk Rating (L x S) Rating 1 Almost impossible to occur Rating 1 No symptoms 0 – 8 (Low Risk) Rating 2 Unlikely Rating 2 Minor illness or symptoms Rating 3 Possible Rating 3 Expected symptoms- fever, dry cough, temperature
9 – 15 (Medium Risk) Rating 4 Very likely Rating 4 Long term/latent health conditions Rating 5 Almost certain Rating 5 Fatality or disabling conditions 16 + (High Risk) RESPONSE LEVEL 2
Lead Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control/Senior Nurse Infection Prevention & Control Date: 29th September 2020
Review: 11/10/21 Ratified by: Senior Clinical and Public Health Leadership Group/IPCC

Mandatory IPC COVID-19 eLearn Vannin training

Face to Face training is in place for Standard and Enhanced PPE across the DHSC

Ordering system in place to facilitate access to suitable and sufficient PPE to comply with policy and PHE guidance.

Team of procurement officers purchasing PPE with IPC advice

Fit Testing available for the use of FFP3 masks for aerosol generating procedures 2,000 staff across DHSC

Training for the use of positive pressure filtered air flow hoods including checking, testing, wearing and cleaning

Posters / Notices in place to comply with:-
Hand hygiene Donning and Doffing of PPE

Regular communication to DHSC staff including specific instruction regarding the use of PPE appropriately in various setting

Staff notice issued that uniforms must not be worn outside the workplace and directed that they must change at work. Directions for safe laundering at home given.

Quality STREET system in place to RESPONSE LEVEL 2 Lead Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control/Senior Nurse Infection Prevention & Control Date: 29th September 2020
Review: 11/10/21 Ratified by: Senior Clinical and Public Health Leadership Group/IPCC
provide assurance for correct PPE use IPC PPE Audit – 6 weekly Assessors Signature: S Read: Sharon Read/Margaret Knight Date of Assessment:11/08/20 Review Date: 11/10/21 or earlier as advice changes

ISLE OF MAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT POLICY FOR PATIENTS & PERMITTED VISITORS ATTENDING HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE FACILITIES V1 Infection Prevention & Control Team
Date: 22 March 2021 Review: 22 May 2021 Approved: Bronze Command 23 March 2021

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT POLICY FOR PATIENTS & PERMITTED VISITORS ATTENDING HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE FACILITIES Reader Information Primary author contact details Infection Prevention & Control Team
Original publication date 22 March 2021 Last reviewed date N/A Next review date due 22 May 2021 Ratified by Bronze Command 23 March 2021 Superseded Documents N/A

1. POLICY
   This is a policy statement for all Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) premises. The DHSC issue masks which comply with EN standards to ensure the safety of patients, staff and permitted visitors.
   1.0 Patients attending hospital and community facilities within the DHSC will be required to wear a IIR fluid resistant Facemask supplied by the DHSC. 1.1 In vaccination centres, masks should be made available, although patients own masks are acceptable.
   1.2 It is not acceptable for a IIR fluid resistant mask to be placed over a person’s own mask.
   1.3 Those attending the facilities in their own personal protective equipment e.g. gloves will be required to remove them and gel their hands.
   1.4 If after explanation of the rationale people refuse to wear a DHSC mask with no adequate explanation, then they will be refused entry to the building. 1.5 There is an exemption for those unable to tolerate a mask due their medical condition. In this case the visit will be managed by receiving staff in the area ensuring that patients in this category are placed at the end of the list and do not wait with other patients.

Chief Executive: Kathryn Magson Freedom of Information Team Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3QA (01624) 642621 dhsc@foi.gov.im Website: www.gov.im/dhsc Our ref: 1717362 19 April 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 22 March 2021 and which states:

"Can you confirm: 1) the RECOMMENDED Cycle Amplification Threshold for the PCR tests used in the Isle Of Man 2) if guidance from scientists and epidemiologists has been sought to influence the decisions to lockdown the island 3) the names of the above scientists and epidemiologists and their credentials 4) a risk assessment has been carried out, with regard to the wearing of face masks in public spaces 5) the long and short term effects of mask wearing have been considered before advising or suggesting that they should be worn Is the risk assessment conducted with regards to face masks available to the public? Where can an individual obtain a copy of the risk assessment?" Our response

Question 1: The recommended Cycle Amplification Threshold for the PCR tests used in the Isle of Man. The recommended cycle amplification threshold for PCR tests conducted in the Isle of Man is CT40’ Question 2: if guidance from scientists and epidemiologists has been sought to influence the decisions to lockdown the island. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under Section 11(3)(a) of the Act, the Department of Health and Social Care does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested. To provide advice and assistance Public Health which forms part of Cabinet Office may hold some or all of the information. You may wish to submit a separate Freedom of Information request to the Cabinet Office.

Question 3: the names of the above scientists and epidemiologists and their credentials. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under Section 11(3)(a) of the Act, the Department of Health and Social Care does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested. To provide advice and assistance Public Health which forms part of Cabinet Office may hold some or all of the information. You may wish to submit a separate Freedom of Information request to the Cabinet Office. Question 4: a risk assessment has been carried out, with regard to the wearing of face masks in public spaces. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under Section 11(3)(a) of the Act, the Department of Health and Social Care does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested. To provide advice and assistance Public Health which forms part of Cabinet Office may hold some or all of the information. You may wish to submit a separate Freedom of Information request to the Cabinet Office. Question 5: the long and short term effects of mask wearing have been considered before advising or suggesting that they should be worn. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under Section 11(3)(a) of the Act, the Department of Health and Social Care does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested. To provide advice and assistance Public Health which forms part of Cabinet Office may hold some or all of the information. You may wish to submit a separate Freedom of Information request to the Cabinet Office. Question 6: Is the risk assessment conducted with regards to face masks available to the public? Please see attached documents which is relation to Hospital(s), Care Homes, Community Care and Social Care facilities. Question 7: Where can an individual obtain a copy of the risk assessment? Please see attached documents.

Please quote the reference number 1717362 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.

In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely

Head of Compliance D

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