A new resource to support nurses in their understanding and management of coronavirus has been launched by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today.
The webpage aimed at nurses working in all health and care settings, will give up-to-date information about the virus including symptoms and how nurses can protect themselves.
It hosts the latest guidance and updates from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and public health bodies across the UK. The RCN is not currently planning to develop its own guidance.
The RCN said it is using lessons from previous outbreaks such as Ebola and pandemic influenzas to inform its advice for members and key stakeholders.
RCN professional lead for infection prevention and control Rose Gallagher said it is important for nurses to ‘know how best to protect themselves and their colleagues’ from coronavirus.
‘This will involve having access to the most up to date information relevant to the UK country they are working in as well as adequate supplies of personal protective equipment and other necessary resources,’ she continued.
The webpage was launched after health secretary Matt Hancock pledged £20 million towards developing a new vaccine against coronavirus yesterday.
Last week, two members of the same family were confirmed to be the first coronavirus cases in the UK. It originated in Wuhan, China
A total of 324 others have been tested in the UK, according to Public Health England’s latest update.
You can visit the RCN coronavirus webpage here or email [email protected] for more information.
