Letter to the Editor

In response to the Letters to the Editor in the January issue of Cath Lab Digest (Laissez Faire Facilities and JCAHO & In Compliance with MIOSHA/OSHA?), our cath lab has never required the staff to wear hat/masks during LHC/interventions, only pacers, AICD, when there is an open wound. In our 10 year history we have not had any problems with increased infections in patients or staff exposure problems (we wear protective glasses). We do over 3000 cases a year, work with a dozen cardiologists. This is not laissez faire attitude and we are not scrambling to meet standards. We have passed every JCAHO inspections in the past including one two days ago. If you chose to wear full gear that is certainly your choice (and we have one or two cardiologists who choose to) but unless your are performing surgery, and do cutdowns or incisions, it does not appear necessary. Anne Termier, RN, CCRN, RCIS, Clinical Coordinator, Boulder Community Hospital Cath Lab

NULL