Infection Control
Preventing infections that may occur after a patient enters a hospital is the goal of all healthcare facilities. Although not all healthcare acquired infections (HAI) can be prevented, using guidelines developed by the Center of Disease Control and Epidemiology (CDC) and other state and federal organizations, AMH/SCC strives to prevent healthcare acquired infections. These guidelines to prevent the transmission of infection include appropriate hand hygiene practices and respiratory etiquette, and should be practiced by all staff members, patients, visitors and family members. A recent focus of infection control is multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO). These are organisms (bacteria or germs) that have become resistant to the more commonly used antibiotics. One such organism is MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This organism is becoming more frequently acquired within the community. One important aspect of preventing and controlling community acquired MRSA is good health practices and good personal hygiene by the individual. Healthcare facilities utilize newly recommended isolation practices, lab cultures, and recommended medication treatments. Education and reinforcement of the guidelines and practices are stressed to staff and volunteers as well as patients, family members and visitors. The key message is - Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands!!! Employee Health is another aspect to preventing infection by offering immunization to staff and volunteers as well as promoting good health habits.
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