Infection Control
Mission
The mission of the Infection Control Department is to reduce the risk of healthcare-acquired infections for all patients and healthcare workers through an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental, hospital-wide systematic plan.
Our mission supports the hospital mission by safeguarding patients from infections and providing efficient and effective medical treatment for discovered infections.
The standards of practice for the program are based on evidence-based guidelines from sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), State and Local regulations and scientific literature.
Role of the Infection Control Nurse
The Infection Control Nurse is a Registered Nurse, Certified in Infection Control (CIC) who,
- Implements and coordinates the hospital-wide Infection Control Program.
- Maintains a program of surveillance, prevention and control that is based on sound epidemiological principles.
- Provides education and training that meets governmental and accreditation requirements for all healthcare workers.
- Acts as an infection control resource nurse for all healthcare workers and patients.
- Collaborates with all services/departments to develop and review policies and procedures that support infection control principles.
- Maintains current Infection Control information through ongoing educational and training programs, networking opportunities, and membership in infection control organizations and publications.
- Serves as a liaison to the various public health and community emergency preparedness agencies in matters related to the reporting, prevention, and control of infections.
- Provides occupational health services for Tuberculosis screening, Influenza and Hepatitis B vaccination and bloodborne pathogen exposure counseling and follow up.
- In conjunction with Environment of Care Committee representatives conducts quarterly environmental surveillance rounds for the early identification of potential risks for infections.
INFECTION CONTROL COMMITTEE
The Infection Control Nurse reports each quarter to the Infection Control Committee. This committee is comprised of representative from the Medical, Nursing, Food Service, Environmental Services, Risk Management and Pharmacy departments.
The Infection Control Committee,
- Reviews data and reports resulting from infection control surveillance, prevention and control activities and makes assessment of related risks for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.
- Develops and prioritizes infection control goals for the hospital from identified risks.
- Plans and implements, programs, studies and reviews for performance improvement to meet the established goals.
- Reviews and revises Infection Control policies for presentation to the Medical Executive Committee
MEDICAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Infection Control Nurse presents a quarterly Infection Control report to the Medical Executive Committee. This report includes recommendations from the Infection Control Committee.
INFORMATION LINKS
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