Infection control
The Hospital considers the prevention of
healthcare associated infections of paramount importance for the
benefit of all patients, visitors and staff. To assist with
this strategy the Hospital has an Infection Control Team consisting
of a Director of Infection Prevention and Control (Microbiologist)
and Specialist Nurses who offer advice and guidance in accordance
with the Department of Health and Healthcare
Commission recommendations. For example, there are
specific policies in place to prevent the transmission of
infections such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) and Clostridium difficile. In association with these
policies infection control training is included in all mandatory
induction and “up-date” sessions for clinical and non-clinical
staff.
Moreover, Standard Infection Control
Precautions (SICPs) are diligently practiced by staff at the
Hospital. Visitors are also encouraged to comply with these
precautions to help minimise the risk of infection
transmission. Compliance against these SICPs includes staff
washing their hands with soap and water / alcohol hand gel prior to
and following each patient contact. To assist with this
procedure wall mounted liquid soap is available at all sinks and
alcohol gel is provided in every patient room and clinical
department so that staff, visitors and patients can decontaminate
their hands as necessary; i.e. prior to and after clinical care,
prior to eating food and following ablutions.
A significant barrier to the transmission of
infection is the ability to be able to offer individual rooms for
patient care. All patients at the Cromwell are nursed in a
single room with ensuite facilities, the exception being certain
specialist areas (e.g. Intensive Care Unit).
The revolutionary Microfibre Cleaning
System® is utilised at the Hospital. This
system generates cleaning which maintains and increases
effectiveness, but which is also economical and ecologically
sound.
Overall, Bupa Cromwell Hospital considers that
a clean environment provides the right setting for high standards
of patient care and compliance with nationally accepted infection
control measures.
There were no serious cases of
MRSA infection between January and May 2007.
For more information please download our MRSA Information for
Patients Leaflet (PDF).