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<p>The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM), published by NHS
England in April 2022, is used by health care providers in all healthcare settings
in England and is complimented by pathogen/disease specific guidance produced by UK
Health Security Agency.</p><p>The NIPCM recommends that, following risk assessment,
face coverings can be worn by patients as a form of source control, providing this
does not compromise their clinical care or safety. This would include patients deemed
to be at increased risk of infection, such as those who are immuno-compromised, and
during periods where local epidemiology indicates a likely increase in risk of nosocomial
transmission of a specific pathogen. At local level, the decision regarding the implementation
of this measure should be informed by clinical judgement and risk assessment.</p><p>Recommendations
regarding the use of face masks is informed by a literature review conducted by Antimicrobial
Resistance & Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland, which is available at the
following link:</p><p>https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/media/2113/2022-01-06-surgical-masks-sicps-and-tbps-v20-final.pdf</p><p>As
set out in the United Kingdom’s five year national action plan for tackling antimicrobial
resistance, NHS England’s National Infection Prevention and Control Team is currently
undertaking literature reviews to support the NIPCM. While this process is on-going,
the scientific and epidemiological data and literature remain under constant review.</p><p>The
Department’s first priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of patients and
staff, with no current plans to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the recommendation.</p>
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