Hospital PPE can mean the difference between efficiently helping someone during surgery and spreading potentially contaminated fluids. No matter the department, every healthcare worker, patient and visitor will benefit from wearing the right hospital clothing. Caring for patients is only one part of a tough job and in order to save lives, the right protective gear is needed. After all, if you are not safe, how can you help others?
On that note, let’s dive into the different types of PPE for hospital workers to ensure optimal productivity and safety.
A Guide to PPE for Hospital Workers
The right hospital clothing is so important that it protects your patients and colleagues from catching simple illnesses, such as a cold, to life-threatening diseases. When in a busy environment and potentially collaborating with other departments, it’s important to keep safe and reduce cross-contamination as much as possible.
| PPE Type | Specific Equipment | Hospital Department | Protects Against |
| Body, skin and radiation | – Thermal clothing – Protective clothing – High-visibility clothing – Aprons and coveralls – Gloves |
All departments, specifically: – Nursing – Surgery – Emergency services |
Cold temperatures or biological hazards, including: – Infectious materials – Chemicals – Bodily fluids |
| Head and face | – Goggles and safety glasses – Masks and face shields – Hair bands and headbands – Earplugs |
Infectious departments, such as: – Surgery – Emergency services – Laboratories – Radiology – Isolation wards – Pharmacies – Oncology |
– Cytotoxic drugs – Vapours – Debris, dirt and dust – Allergens – Loud noise |
| Feet | – Industrial shoes – Boots – Toecap shoes – Breathable trainers |
No specific department | Biomechanical hazards, such as: – Heavy equipment – Sharp objects – Running (fast-paced environments) – Falling and slipping |
| Respiratory | Breathing apparatus and respirators, such as: – N95 masks – Surgical masks – Air-purifying respirators |
Respiratory departments, including: – Infections – Diseases – General care – Intensive/critical care units |
– Contaminated air – Oxygen deficiency |
What Disposable Items and Cleaning Supplies do Hospitals Need?
Cleaning supplies can aid PPE for hospital workers by ensuring each room is clean after each use. It is unlikely any department will go unused for a night as healthcare is a 24/7 scenario. With this in mind, it’s important to clean as you go to further prevent cross-contamination.
Some hospital cleaning supplies that could help with this are:
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial wipes
- Soap
- Wiper rolls and couch rolls
- Rags and cloths
- Antivirus sprays
- Bin bags
Whereas, many hospital PPE and general supplies may not be suitable for washing or there may not be time to clean them. If that’s the case, these disposable items are crucial:
What Does it Protect You From?
PPE protects you from biological, chemical and radiological hazards primarily. Without this gear, you are exposed to a variety of illnesses within a hospital environment that could endanger your life. For example, slowing the development or transmission of radiation, viruses and bacteria.
It’s not just airborne illnesses PPE hospital supplies protects you from, but bacteria from personal contact, liquids and contaminated objects too. With this, it’s thought that protecting your skin and respiratory system is the most important factor in a hospital environment, such as using gloves, masks and aprons.
It’s important to consider what department you are visiting and wear the correct PPE to ensure your own safety and those of others. Even as a patient or guest, you may be required to wear specific protective gear when visiting people or manoeuvring around the hospital.
What is the Average NHS PPE Expenditure?
Between 2020 and 2021, the NHS spent £12 billion on PPE for hospital workers. £4 billion of said gear in storage and was not fit for use or did not meet the NHS’ standards. Another £673 million, or 817 million items, were defective or counterfeit items and could not be resold or donated.
A further £2.6 billion was wasted as staff did not utilise unfamiliar PPE, despite it meeting technical standards. Additionally, the NHS had to pay millions for the disposal to both recycle and burn the misspent PPE. Of course, for this reason, budget is important for decision makers to consider when looking for quality hospital PPE. That’s why Galleon Supplies strive to be one of the most affordable places to find yours!
Hospital PPE and Cleaning Equipment at Galleon Supplies
With this guide, you can ensure complete safety in any department, be it chemical testing in a laboratory or caring for patients in intensive care. Not only will this PPE hospital equipment protect yourself, but also your colleagues, patients and visitors from cross-contamination, dangerous fluids, or the fast-paced environment working within healthcare.
At Galleon Supplies, we supply a range of hospital PPE and cleaning equipment that will keep your space in tip-top shape. Contact us today to enquire about your bulk order with large discounts across multiple products.
