Controlling and preventing healthcare acquired infections, including MRSA and C. difficile, is one of our top priorities. In order to help the Trust achieve an improved performance in this area, new infection control policies and guidelines were launched in August 2007.
Significant investment
The Trust has made significant investment in infection prevention and control over the past year by funding the extension of MRSA screening into all patients admitted with medical conditions. Elective and emergency surgical patients have been screened for several years.
New rapid technique introduced
A new rapid technique known as PCR has been introduced to screen patients in the renal unit. It enables results to be available on the same day the sample was taken. Screening can help identify patients with MRSA before an infection develops or before it can spread to other patients. Funding has also been provided to appoint an additional two infection control audit nurses and a consultant microbiologist.
Infection control framework
An infection control performance framework has been introduced to all inpatient clinical areas. This builds on the Department of Health programme, Saving Lives. On a weekly rotational basis clinical areas are reviewed on data relating to compliance with infection control audit of hand hygiene, urinary catheters and intravenous cannulae. The reviews provide an opportunity to standardise audits across the Trust and to provide assurance that infection control principles are being maintained or improved.
Total deep clean completed
At the end of March 2008, the Trust completed its biggest ever total deep clean of all wards and clinical areas at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals. The Trust spent in excess of £300,000 to improve ward areas and resulted in all walls and ceilings, equipment and ventilation filters being cleaned. Specialist teams of cleaners supported by maintenance staff were drafted in to carry out the work.
Bare Below the Elbows policy
The Bare Below the Elbows policy was introduced to the Trust last year and works on the principle that if short sleeves are worn, it is much easier to wash hands effectively with soap and water or use alcohol rub. As part of the policy, wrist watches, bracelets and stoned rings are also banned from being worn by staff providing clinical care. This is because they can all harbour bacteria and make hand hygiene more difficult.
