Central Coast Local Health District is asking patients and visitors to join in the fight against nasty micro-organisms at Gosford Hospital to mark Infection Prevention Week, which runs from October 19 to 23.
District director of microbiology and infectious disease, Dr Deo de Wit, said the purpose of Infection Prevention Week was to raise awareness of the importance of basic infection prevention and control principles that must be observed in hospitals.
“Infection prevention and control is crucial at hospitals because patients are more susceptible to infection, there are more resistant organisms in hospitals as a result of increased antibiotic use and there is a higher risk of transmission of micro-organisms due to the proximity of patients.
“So we want to help stop the spread of microorganisms because it can cause lengthy and serious infections in people who are already unwell,” Dr de Wit said.
While staff members are committed to ensuring the health and safety of patients, Dr de Wit said patients and visitors also have an important role to play in infection prevention.
“Patients, carers and visitors can help us prevent infection by following a few simple tips. “Follow the infection prevention advice on posters and brochures around hospitals and follow directions from our staff,” he said.
“There are hand washing stations in wards and alcohol based hand rubs at hospital entrances, wards and bedsides for everyone to use. “Remember it’s okay to ask others to clean their hands too,” Dr de Wit said.
Patients and visitors should never touch wounds, dressings, intravenous lines or other tools being used to treat a patient.
Media release,
Oct 14, 2015
Lauren Nicholls, Central
Coast Local Health District