7/30/19 bs Medical Surveillance
July 30, 2019
From: "Berkley Sykes" <berkley.sykes@hhsys.org>
To: "Pharmacy" <grp_pharmacy@hhsys.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2019 12:43:09 PM
Subject: Medical Surveillance
https://docushare.hhsys.org/dsweb/Get/Document-80984/Hazardous%20Drug%20Medical%20Surveillance.pdf
Every August, Employee Health monitors, via lab work and a health questionnaire, those employees who are known to regularly handle hazardous drugs or waste. This includes oncology nurses, oncology patient care aides and technicians, and pharmacy technicians and pharmacists who handle hazardous drugs. The purpose of the program is to follow these employees throughout the years so as to be able to more easily detect any health issues that may arise due to exposure to hazardous medications.
As needed, Employee Health will also monitor those who have an acute exposure. Employees who have an acute exposure are to inform their supervisor, call CompOne, and fill out an employee accident report. CompOne will contact Employee Health, who will then contact the employee for follow-up. An acute exposure may include, but is not limited to, any body surface coming in contact with the hazardous drug or excreta from a patient who has received hazardous drugs. This includes inhalation of any mist, spray, or powder from a hazardous drug, or needlesticks.
If you are on the list of employees who will automatically be included in the program, I have sent you a separate email with instructions. If you do not receive a separate email, but want to participate in the program, please feel free to go to Employee Health and inform them that you are there for the medical surveillance program. The program is open to anyone who feels they are regularly exposed to hazardous medications or waste. Review the attached policy for additional information.
Thanks,
Berkley
Berkley Sykes, Pharm.D.
Pharmacy Manager - Sterile Products Services
Huntsville Hospital
Office phone: (256) 265-2282
Cell phone: (256) 426-1289
Fax: (256) 265-4626