Hospital Hygiene
Hospital Hygiene
As Hospital Director, many actions need to be taken when it comes to keeping this hospital safe and free from bacteria as possible. Many infection control measure should be taken, and it is not an issue that should be taken take lightly. Many things will be implemented into the building of this hospital to prevent and reduce the risk of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs). One measure that will be taken to prevent HAIs is installing copper, bronze, and brass fixtures throughout the hospital that are the most touched and used surfaces such as toilet seats, door knobs and handles, and bedside rails. Installing these materials will help to kill pathogens and MRSA that are responsible for Hospital and Community Acquired Infections. The use of brass and bronze will increase the potential of killing harmful and potentially deadly bacteria. Copper has been recognized by the EPA as the first solid surface registered as an antimicrobial. Hand decontamination is crucial in the prevention of HCAIs. Another method that will be used to control Hospital Acquired Infections is the implementation of hand-washing stations throughout the facility. In every room, motion sensor faucets and hand free drying station will be installed. The sink will be constructed out of bronze or copper to help kill pathogens that may cross the sinks surface. Each sink will contain a hands free dispenser of anti-microbial hand wash, used alongside an alcohol-based rub containing at least 75% v/v isopropanol or 80% v/v ethanol, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Using an alcohol-based hand rub will also decrease the risk of skin irritation by those who use it often. Staff members will be required to routinely wash hands after handling patients, upon entrance and exit of the rooms of patients, after coming into contact with a contaminated surface, and after use of the restroom, to name a few. Signs will be placed at all hand-washing stations and is restrooms as a
As Hospital Director, many actions need to be taken when it comes to keeping this hospital safe and free from bacteria as possible. Many infection control measure should be taken, and it is not an issue that should be taken take lightly. Many things will be implemented into the building of this hospital to prevent and reduce the risk of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs). One measure that will be taken to prevent HAIs is installing copper, bronze, and brass fixtures throughout the hospital that are the most touched and used surfaces such as toilet seats, door knobs and handles, and bedside rails. Installing these materials will help to kill pathogens and MRSA that are responsible for Hospital and Community Acquired Infections. The use of brass and bronze will increase the potential of killing harmful and potentially deadly bacteria. Copper has been recognized by the EPA as the first solid surface registered as an antimicrobial. Hand decontamination is crucial in the prevention of HCAIs. Another method that will be used to control Hospital Acquired Infections is the implementation of hand-washing stations throughout the facility. In every room, motion sensor faucets and hand free drying station will be installed. The sink will be constructed out of bronze or copper to help kill pathogens that may cross the sinks surface. Each sink will contain a hands free dispenser of anti-microbial hand wash, used alongside an alcohol-based rub containing at least 75% v/v isopropanol or 80% v/v ethanol, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Using an alcohol-based hand rub will also decrease the risk of skin irritation by those who use it often. Staff members will be required to routinely wash hands after handling patients, upon entrance and exit of the rooms of patients, after coming into contact with a contaminated surface, and after use of the restroom, to name a few. Signs will be placed at all hand-washing stations and is restrooms as a
Cited: Kramer, A. et al (2002) Limited efficacy of alcohol-based hand gels. Lancet; 359: 1489-1490. Barker, J. et al (2004) Effects of cleaning and disinfection in reducing the spread of Norovirus contamination via environmental surfaces. Journal of Hospital Infection: 58: 42-49. Hospital Hygiene, Raising Awareness. Web. Accessed March 20, 2013.