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Getting rid of green tape

Hi All. We are taking the bull by the horns and stopping the use of green assurance tape and stickers, as we don't feel they actually do provide assurance. Has anyone else done this? Could you share your experience please? What are you doing instead, how did you communicate this out to staff, has it made a difference? Thank you. 

4 Comments

  1. Lucy Jeeves Aug 20, 2024 09:19 AM

    Hi Elizabeth, we have a mix in my Trust, some areas use them as nice clear indicators that commodes are clean and ready to go, but in some of our MH inpatient and outpatient facilities some have decided to revert back to an old fashioned signing sheet with the standard of just clean before use, but signing to say that has been completed. 

    1. Elizabeth Hall Aug 20, 2024 10:37 AM

      Thanks Lucy :)

  1. Orlagh Loftus Aug 27, 2024 07:51 PM

    Hi Elizabeth, I'm interested in your views as the Hospice I work in has just recently implemented the use of green "I'm Clean" tape on our commodes.
    Also, can I ask. What solution do you currently use to decontaminate your commodes?

  1. Sam Lonnen- GHCNFT Sep 24, 2024 11:12 AM

    Elizabeth, the correct use of 'I am clean' tape or 'post its' can be patchy and even null and void if you find equipment that has been labelled as cleaned but is clearly still contaminated. The question the Trust I work for asked is What Do Indicator Tape/Stickers Do? Do they offer any assurances? Do they encourage staff to comply with the approved decontamination process? Are stored items frequently cleaned or left having been cleaned before storage and then cleaned again before use - the date on one sticker was more than 12 months since the last clean. If you cease using indicator tape/stickers then what assurances do you have? We have ward equipment checklists that are signed and are an assurance that the item of equipment has been cleaned at least once in what could in reality be a 47 hour period. We decided to use indicator tape/stickers (IT/S)on a reduced number of items. Items that are in frequent use (used 2 plus times a day) do not require IT/S. Items that are used every day or so do as well as items that go into storage. Commodes also MUST have IT/S and be clearly labelled with the staff members name so that if the commode has not been cleaned/decontaminated correctly then the member of staff can be educated in how to correctly undertake the task (we use the Clinell Peracetic Acid wipes on all commodes irrespective of C. difficile diagnosis on a unit). I feel that there needs to be an assurance that decontamination has taken place so staff education with good practice following on should be the mantra. I might initially mean an additional audit when undertaking clinical visits until practice has reached the desired level and using indicator tape/stickers may well be necessary . . . . 

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