title: A national survey of the provision for patients with latex allergy.
abstract: The prevalence of latex allergy has increased since the 1980s. As latex is found throughout hospitals and operating theatres, careful planning is required for latex-allergic patients who present pre-operatively. We conducted a postal survey of 269 departments of anaesthesia in England and Wales; responses were received from 208 (77%). Of these, 198 (95%) had a latex allergy protocol and 181 (87%) had a store of latex-free equipment. Only 113 (54%) had a named nurse and 58 (28%) had a named consultant responsible for the update of latex allergy provisions. Access to allergy clinics and further investigations were available to 189 (91%). Many respondents called for national guidelines. We are reassured that the majority of trusts have an up-to-date latex allergy protocol and latex-free equipment store. However, relatively few have nominated members of staff responsible for these and peri-operative care of susceptible patients.
authors.affiliation: North-west (E) Deanery, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 7JE, UK.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Yuill
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Saroya
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Yuill
mesh_terms: D000761:Anesthesia Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014852:Wales