Impact of a latex policy on an acute NHS hospital: an audit.
BACKGROUND
A latex policy was introduced in 1999 in a large, acute UK hospital.


OBJECTIVE
To audit the impact of the policy.


METHODS
Semi-structured interview of the managers of 40 wards between April 2001 and July 2002.


RESULTS
A policy was available on only 26 (65%) of the wards. Compliance with the policy was limited to 20 (50%) wards.


CONCLUSIONS
Compliance with the policy was low in the hospital. Staff and patients are being unnecessarily exposed to the hazard of latex.
Bell
Linda
L
Occupational Health, Navy House, Fife, UK. Linda.Bell@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Watt
A David
AD
Straine
Lorna
L
D015331:Cohort Studies; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006291:Health Policy; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013222:State Medicine
D007840:Latex