Infection Control

WHY IS INFECTION CONTROL IMPORTANT?

In a hospital, patients are cared for by many health care workers in very close quarters. Frequent contact is found among patients, staff, visitors and volunteers. A number of procedures may also increase a patient's risk of infection. Preventing infections is important to help patients recover quickly and stay as healthy as possible.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT WAY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFECTION?

• Hand hygiene. This modern day term refers to cleaning your hands with either soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub. This is important for everyone to practice on a routine basis.
• As a patient, it is acceptable to remind healthcare providers to clean their hands before touching you.

HELP PREVENT INFECTIONS OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL

• Always wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom whether you are at home or in public.
• Receive a flu shot every year unless contraindicated (eg. Allergy to eggs).
• Do not take antibiotics if it is unnecessary. Remember: antibiotics cure infections caused by bacteria - not viruses. Unnecessary antibiotics may be harmful and may possibly cause bacteria to become resistant to treatment.
• Keep immunizations up to date.

INFECTION PREVENTION IN THE HOSPITAL

• Once again, hand hygiene is most important! Concordia Hospital has both soap and water or alcohol based hand rub for your use.
• Routine Practices is a term familiar to all healthcare workers. It refers to infection control practices and precautions that are used for ALL patients regardless of patient diagnosis or infection status. Therefore, all health care workers will perform hand hygiene and may possibly wear gloves, gowns or eyewear.
• Some illnesses require Additional Precautions. If required, an isolation sign will be placed outside the patient room. It does not list the patient's illness, but informs staff and visitors about precautions to help prevent the spread of disease.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP PREVENT INFECTIONS:

• Always use good personal hygiene.
• Ensure that patient items are not shared. (egs. lotions, soaps, etc).
• If you have an illness that is contagious to others, do not visit the hospital while you are infectious.

Your assistance with preventing infections is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!