Hospital Trust Breached Health and Safety Law Over Staff Face Masks, HSE Finds

Some workers at a hospital where a radiographer died after contracting COVID-19 did not get adequate help in fitting their face masks properly, an investigation has found.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation was launched after radiographer Simon Guest, who worked at Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Cumbria, died in April 2020.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has been contacted for comment after the HSE said there had been “a breach of health and safety law resulting in formal written advice to the trust”.

A HSE spokesman said: “HSE has concluded its investigation, our inspectors identified a breach of health and safety law resulting in formal written advice to the trust.

“The investigation identified that not all persons had received adequate face fit testing to ensure that the masks, worn as protective equipment for certain procedures, formed a tight seal to the face.

“Confirmation was provided by the trust that remedial action had been taken.”

Role Model

Mr Guest’s wife Nicky said his loved ones were “overwhelmed with grief at the loss of our beloved Simon to COVID-19”.

In a tribute released after his death, she said: “Simon was special, a true gentleman and a great role model to all.

“He was a gentle soul and so very caring with both his patients and NHS colleagues.

“Simon worked tirelessly on the front line, always helping others, a dedicated professional in every sense of the word.”

Rose Byron, the lead radiographer for Furness General Hospital, said it was “an honour and a privilege” to have worked with him.

She added: “He had a great passion for life and enjoyed motorbikes, nice cars, guitars and music.

“Simon will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He is forever in our hearts… a true hero.”

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/960755?src=soc_fb_211015_mscpedt_news_mdscp_radiographer&faf=1