Interior Health defends accessibility of PPE at Royal Inland Hospital

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health is responding to concerns raised by the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) over personal protective equipment.

BCNU President Christine Sorensen says nurses are overworked during the COVID-19 outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital, adding some are unable to access the appropriate PPE for certain tasks.

“When a nurse has the right to do a point of care risk assessment, does that assessment and determines that the best way to keep themselves and their patients safe is to wear an N95, they have difficulty accessing that, and are often shamed into saying, ‘You don’t need that, why are you asking for this?’” Sorensen said.

In a statement to CFJC Today, Interior Health said “protocols are in place so health care workers are provided with PPE that is appropriate to each situation. RIH follows the provincial BCCDC guidelines for the use of PPE, which are based on evidence about the level of protection required in each situation.”

IH says it is working to ensure patients, staff, physicians and visitors are safe. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of hospital staff during the pandemic.