We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.
To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
Staph. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida spp., airborne fungi
Aural toilet + analgesia
Topical Acetic Acid 2% 1 spray TDS and warm compresses for 7 days
Second Line
Gentisone HC (Gentamicin 0.3% + Hydrocortisone 1%) ear drops
Send aspirate or swab. Gentamicin is contra-indicated in patients with a perforated tympanic membrane
Aural toilet and analgesia
Topical Acetic Acid 2% for 3-5 days + warm compresses
Second Line:
*Ciprofloxacin 0.3% eye drops - apply 2 drops into the ear TDS
or
Gentisone HC (Gentamicin 0.3% + Hydrocortisone 1%) ear drops
Gentamicin is contra-indicated in patients with a perforated tympanic membrane
Seek ENT and microbiology advice
*There are no licensed ciprofloxacin ear drops available in the UK. Ciprofloxacin eye drops can be used off-label in the ear. The dose is based on advice from ENT.
Piperacillin / Tazobactam IV 6 hourly
If mild intolerance or mild skin reaction to penicillins - Ceftazadime IV (high dose as per BNFC)
If anaphylaxis (including severe skin reactions) to penicillins / cephalosporins - Gentamicin IV + Ciprofloxacin IV (high dose as per BNFC)
Ensure dose and frequency of antibiotics are adequate to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa
ENT review advised
Aural toilet + Clotrimazole 1% solution for at least 14 days after infection has resolved.
Seek specialist advice if required
Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Forth Valley