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Preventing Infections at Henry Medical Center
Our overall goal is to reduce the risk of patients, visitors, employees and volunteers getting an infection while in the facility. HMC follows recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as JCAHO and OSHA recommendations and other regulatory mandates.
There is a multidisplinary Infection Control Committee chaired by an infectious disease physician that meets monthly. The surveillance, prevention and control of healthcare related infections are functions of this committee. Surveillance data is collected and presented by the infection control coordinator that is a registered nurse and certified in infection control. Policies and procedures are formulated and reviewed by this committee. |
Measures Used to Help Prevent and Control Infections
- Good hand hygiene using the CDC recommended alcohol-based foam located in the patient rooms and other patient care areas
- Triage and proper isolation of patients in the Emergency Department for possible SARS
- Proper isolation of patients after admission to the nursing units
- Disinfection of the environment
- Education of the staff on new procedures and measures to prevent infections
- Sterile technique for invasive procedures
What Can Patients do to Help Prevent Infections in the Hospital?
- Patients are a part of the healthcare team and should not be afraid to remind doctors and other hospital staff about washing their hands before working with them.
- Patients should wash hands after handling any soiled material, especially after using the bathroom.
- Diabetics should control their blood sugar as much as possible, before, during and after the hospital stay to help reduce the risk of infection.
- Smokers should consider a smoking cessation program to reduce the chance of developing lung infections and improve healing abilities.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions about your care to fully understand the treatment plan and expected outcomes.
Working together, hospital staff, physicians, patients and family members can provide a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
Any questions or concerns regarding the Infection Control program can be addressed by calling (678) 604-5145.
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