Latex Allergy - How do hospitals deal with latex allergy?

$Introduction$

$Glossary$

$What is latex allergy?$

$History of latex allergy$

$What things contain latex?$

$How common is latex allergy?$

$What will happen to me if I have an allergic reaction?$

$How is latex allergy diagnosed?$

$Is latex allergy serious?$

$Does latex allergy go away?$

$What can I do to help prevent an allergic reaction to latex?$

$How are allergic reactions to latex treated?$

$How do hospitals deal with latex allergy?$

$What gloves are used in healthcare?$

$What should I do when I visit the dentist?$

$How will latex allergy affect my daily life?$

$Can people with latex allergy also have food allergy?$

$What gloves can I wear if I am allergic to latex?$

$Why is glove powder a problem?$

$Frequently Asked Questions$

$Where can I get further information?$

>> How do hospitals deal with latex allergy?

Education, awareness, vigilance and communication are vital when dealing with latex allergy in any healthcare setting.

All hospital organisations are expected to have a Policy for managing NRL risk. This has two aims:

To create a safe environment for the care of patients and staff who are already allergic to latex.
To provide an environment that minimises the risk of staff acquiring latex allergy.

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) reported results of a survey in 2005 that shows there is room for improvement within healthcare teams when it comes to dealing with this issue (1). It advised that all NHS organisations in England and Wales take steps to better protect patients with latex allergy.

Employers and workers in healthcare occupations should all be familiar with the key facts about latex allergy.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have produced a booklet to inform healthcare staff about problems that may occur if they are exposed to NRL at work (2).

HSE also have a web-site that contains a wealth of information about NRL allergy and shows how to set about producing a Latex Policy (3)

Many latex-containing items of medical equipment are now being replaced by synthetic alternatives, and most exposure to latex in healthcare nowadays comes from gloves (see 'What gloves are used in healthcare?').

(1) http://www.npsa.nhs.uk/health/display?contentId=3793

(2) http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg320.pdf

(3) http://www.hse.gov.uk/latex/