Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has issued on the use of personal protective equipment in mental health trusts.

The overall infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance applies to any healthcare setting, including services provided by mental health trusts in both mental health inpatient units and outpatient settings. It is available to view at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/881489/COVID-19_Infection_prevention_and_control_guidance_complete.pdf

The recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance for mental health inpatient settings is outlined in the IPC guidance, and the guidance for outpatient/community settings including mental health can be viewed at the following links: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/879107/T1_poster_Recommended_PPE_for_healthcare_workers_by_secondary_care_clinical_context.pdf

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/878750/T2_poster_Recommended_PPE_for_primary__outpatient__community_and_social_care_by_setting.pdf

Other PPE guidance such as putting on and taking off PPE is applicable for all health and care workers, in health and social care settings. This guidance can be seen at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-use-for-non-aerosol-generating-procedures