David Thompson Health Region Establishes Hospital Procedure for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Lourdes Salvador's Column ...Co-founder of MCS America discusses the latest Multiple Chemical Sensitivity issues.

David Thompson Health Region Establishes Hospital Procedure for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

 

by Lourdes Salvador

 

 

Mabel, an acute care manager, recently worked hard to establish a protocol for the care of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) hospital patients in the Alberta, Canada area.

 

MCS is an acquired and progressive neurological disease induced by exposure to chemical and fragrance products.

 

Hospital cleaning products, sanitizers, and floor wax are common incitants. Staff, patient, and visitor fragrances, lotions, and scented laundry products are another challenge.

 

Hospitals should be medically safe and accessible for patients and staff; however, this has been evasive in the past.

 

Science has now shown that chemicals have synergistic toxic effects and fragrance chemicals contain unregulated, carcinogenic ingredients.

 

Mabel´s protocol is now in use in the hospital setting in the David Thompson Health Region and outlines safety measures to use with MCS patients.  It specifies what products and materials may or may not be usable and includes:

 

1.  Sources to purchase recommended materials. 

 

2.  Clinical signs to watch for in the patient that would indicate exposure.

 

3.  Establishes the type of remedial action to take when an exposure occurs.

 

This is a wonderful document capable of ensuring a safer hospital stay and better treatment by staff.  No hospital should be without one.  Not only does this document protect those with MCS, it protects all staff and patients from preventable chemical injuries.

 

Mabel stands at the forefront of much needed change. This document may be used by others as a basis to develop similar hospital regulations in other areas. 

 

It is crucial that all hospitals and health care facilities are not only familiar with MCS, but also are prepared to receive MCS patients and make the needed accommodations.

 

Mabel´s protocol may be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/5mtzc5

 

 

For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.

 

Copyrighted 2008 Lourdes Salvador & MCS America

 

 

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