RCSI Collaborates with Fleming Medical on their “Comfort for Carers” Initiative

In July 2020, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) published a report detailing the effects of prolonged use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on frontline workers in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to increased ICU admissions during this time, there was a significant increase in workload for healthcare staff in providing daily frontline care. As a result, PPE, particularly facemasks, must be worn constantly which can often result in Facial Pressure Injuries (FPIs). Before the study, some healthcare workers experienced abrasions, blisters, deep sores and skin tears from wearing PPE.

The RCSI developed a care package to help frontline workers combat these facial injuries and came to Fleming Medical for help on the initiative. 

We provided a skin-friendly, adhesive tape for the project as we supply first aid and emergency supplies to frontline services and are aware of the struggles and hardship faced by healthcare staff during the pandemic. The tape, Mepitac, provided is a high-quality product which helped create a protective barrier between skin and PPE to further ensure comfort. The pack also included WaterWipes and Eucerin Aquaphor Balm to help clean, soothe and repair the skin effectively.

Upon interviewing the healthcare workers that took part in the study, they all commented on how the care bundle prevented further facial injuries and they would recommend the pack to a colleague:

“The tape was really effective. It was so good I didn’t have any marks [on my face] ...I usually mark so easily. I felt like it really helped alleviate the pressure”.

Each participant expressed that the elements of the care bundle did not compromise the protective nature of the facemask which is of the utmost importance.

The report concluded that the intention of the study was to “ensure that staff may work without harm from the use of equipment that is meant to be, in the first instance, protective in nature”. Fleming Medical was delighted to help the RCSI with their research and continue to partner with them to help emerging healthcare professionals by supporting advancing technology in the healthcare industry.

Fleming Medical and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) are long time partners and collaborators who both have a passion to help emerging healthcare professionals by supporting advancing technology in the healthcare industry. Find out more about our partners here.