Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major safety concern for both health care providers and the patients. Considering morbidity, increased length of stay and the cost associated with healthcare treatment, preventing cross-contamination in such settings should be a top priority.
Preventing Cross Contamination in Healthcare
According to the CDC, 1 out of every 25 hospitalized patients will contract a hospital-acquired infection. The spread of these infections can be controlled using simple, time-tested strategies. Past healthcare facilities have been crippled due to the spread of MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant infections, so it’s crucial that you are diligent in your cross-contamination prevention procedures.
Hand Hygiene
According to the CDC, hand washing is the simplest approach to preventing the spread of infections and needs to be incorporated into the culture of every healthcare setting. Surgical team personnel should wash their arms and forearms before a procedure and after.
Follow Precautions
Standard safety precautions are universal and should be applied in every instance, not just those wherein known infection is present. Such precautions include wearing gloves, gowns, masks and eye protection when needed. Single-use patient equipment should be properly disposed of, and reusable healthcare products should be thoroughly washed and sanitized.
Clean Linens
In healthcare facilities, a patient’s needs should always be the top priority. Clean medical linens allow patients to feel more comfortable and at ease but they also prevent the transmission of infection from patient to patient. The last thing a patient wants to see upon walking into a hospital room is a bed with dirty linens ora stained gown. Healthcare laundry services and facility staff should never allow for such an experience.
Vaccinations
Healthcare staff can sometimes be the cause of the contamination and infection. They come into contact with patients with various diseases and may contract infections. As a result, healthcare managers must make sure that recommended vaccinations are being administered to their staff.
Adhere to Isolation Guidelines
Isolation is used to help stop the spread of germs from one person to another. These precautions protect patients, families, visitors, and healthcare workers from the spread of infection when there are signs of infection present. Healthcare workers should not eat or drink in isolation rooms and should always wash their hands before entering the room and upon exiting.
Ensuring the Health & Safety of Patients
Wilkins Linen understands the unique needs of healthcare facilities and is here to help. The health and well being of your patients and staff is crucial to the success of your facility. Utilizing smart precautions and exercising diligence in your infection prevention procedures will ensure the safety of those you treat.
Contact Us to learn more about the importance of linen management in healthcare industries.
