A world-leading manufacturer of high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) has welcomed a study which suggests upgrading hospital masks dramatically reduces the risk of Covid infections for frontline staff.
The Canadian-based group Medicom, which recently opened its first production facility in the UK, says the research carried out at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge demonstrates the importance of FFP3 masks for healthcare workers.
Medicom’s plant in Northamptonshire is making millions of these types of masks especially for the NHS, as part of an agreement with the UK government. The FFP3 respiratory masks are made under the internationally renowned Kolmi brand and offer a high level of protection from aerosol generated infection.
The Cambridge study found that when hospital staff on Covid wards used these type of filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) masks instead of fluid resistant surgical masks (FRSMs), the risk of them becoming infected with Covid 19 was significantly reduced. Transmission of the disease cut by as much as 100 per cent.
The Royal College of Nursing wants national guidance to be changed so the masks are worn by nursing staff caring for patients with known or suspected Covid 19, as a precautionary measure, in all care settings. It says a recent change in the guidelines, requiring risk assessments to be undertaken if there is an ‘unacceptable risk of transmission,’ does not go far enough.
Medicom’s Managing Director in the UK, Hugues Bourgeois, said the results of the Cambridge research highlighted the effectiveness of the FFP3 masks in helping to protect frontline workers.
“We welcome the findings of this study which indicate the huge difference these masks can make for the protection of NHS staff,” said Mr Bourgeois.
“We’re very proud of the quality of our clinical masks. The Kolmi FFP3 mask has been developed specifically for the needs of the NHS. Frontline workers deserve the very best protection and comfort and these masks have been designed with that in mind.”
The masks, which come in different sizes, feature base materials produced by a world- leading manufacturer of non-woven and filter materials for the healthcare sector. The materials ensure the masks are lightweight and comfortable, while remaining breathable and protective over extended periods of time.
The Cambridge study, which was recently reported in the British Medical Journal, has not been peer-reviewed. But it was released early in order to share the information quickly.
