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. You will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon in 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 update to the latest release - RDS app version 4.7.1 - to see this improvement.
Updating to this latest version of the RDS app is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new resilience 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.
Self care is the recommended first line treatment for conjunctivitis. Bathe clean eyelids with cotton wool dipped in sterile saline or boiled and cooled water to remove crusting.
Where antimicrobial is required/prescribed take a bacterial swab for culture and sensitivities. Consider the need for viral swabs and STI testing - see Notes below.
Recommended total duration: up to 7 days or for 48 hours after resolution whichever is shorter.
Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops: 1 drop every 2 hours for 2 days then 4 times daily
OR
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment applied 3-4 times daily, or once daily at night (with drops during the day).
OR
ONLY if swab identifies that isolate is susceptible AND chloramphenicol is contraindicated:
Fusidic acid 1% modified release eye drops: one drop twice daily
Likely organisms: Viruses, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae.
Consider:
Chlamydia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae - send eye swab using recommendations from STI testing
Herpes simplex keratitis and ophthalmic zoster send a swab using viral transport medium.
Consult ophthalmologist if infection is severe or fails to respond, or in contact lens wearers.
See also NICE CKS guidance on infective conjunctivitis for further advice.
For confirmed Chlamydia conjunctivitis see here.
If meningococcal disease suspected see here.
Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Lothian