Meet the Team

Service Overview

Preventing healthcare infections is a significant challenge for hospitals. The Infection Prevention & Control Team (IPCT) plays a crucial role in this effort. When patients, visitors, and staff follow proper practices, we can minimize the risk of infection transmission.

Key Functions of the IPCT

• Offer expert advice on managing infected patients.
• Educate healthcare workers on infection risks.
• Review and monitor infection control policies.
• Inform patients and relatives about hand hygiene and precautions.
• Audit infection control practices throughout the hospital.
• While the IPCT provides guidance, everyone, including staff, patients, and visitors, must diligently follow infection prevention measures.

How Patients & Visitors Can Help

• Use Alcohol Hand Gel
  • Available at the entrance and throughout the hospital. Use it before entering and leaving and before and after patient contact. Wash hands with soap and water if soiled after using the toilet.
• Feel Free to Ask
  • Patients should ask healthcare workers if they have cleaned their hands.
• Keep Your Bedspace Clutter-Free
  • Work with cleaners to maintain a tidy space and only bring essential items.
• Wear Slippers
  • This keeps your feet clean and reduces bacteria transfer.
• Inform Ward Staff
  • Report any dirt, clutter, or if a dressing becomes loose.
• Follow Visiting Policies
  • Limit visitors to close friends and family. Avoid bringing young children unless necessary.
• Do Not Sit on Beds
  • Use provided chairs for visitors.
• Isolate When Necessary
  • Patients with transmissible infections may need to be in single rooms, as explained by their doctor.
• Use Your Own Toiletries
  • Do not share with others.
• Report Concerns
  • Let staff know of any issues, especially regarding infection control.
• Visiting Patients
  • Visitors should only see the patient they came to visit. If feeling unwell, they should not visit until symptom-free for 48 hours, especially after diarrhea or vomiting.
• Avoid Touching Wounds or Medical Equipment
  • This helps minimise infection risk.

By working together and following these guidelines, we can help create a safer hospital environment for everyone.

Resources

Healthcare-associated infections can happen during healthcare delivery in hospital and even in a patient's home. The HSE links below provide further information on the primary infections:

• Norovirus
• MRSA
• Clostridioides difficile (C.diff)
• CPE
• ESBLs