The lecture will look at what consitutes an infection control team, what their remit consists of and how they put their policies into action, also covering district policies. We shall also examine the commonest HAI's their consequences to the hospital and their cost. As well as their financial cost there is now the threat of litigation for doctors to consider. In the USA 5% of medical negligence litigation is due to HAI.
It will also cover the infection control implications for medical staff, including notifiable diseases, outbreaks of infection and action to take; isolation procedures and hand washing, showing the correct procedures to ensure hands are socially clean. Most doctors do not wash their hands in a way which completely removes bacterial contamination.
Disposal of waste, including sharps, will also be discussed, explaining the legislation involved which makes staff accountable for safe disposal, and also including sharp injury procedure. Few doctors realise that they are personally responsible for discarding sharps which they use, and could be prosecuted fi they fail to do so.
We shall also look at blood-borne infection, with particular attention being paid to the control measures. Correct bagging and labelling of high risk specimens is important to avoid putting others at risk, but how is this done whilst still maintaining patient confidentiality? New pathogenic micro-organisms are being discovered almost daily; how can doctors make sure that they do not become victims?