Preventing transmission in the facility.
WHY IT IS FUNDAMENTAL
Facilities concentrate infection, and controls are what prevent transmission.
WHAT THE BASIC MEASURES ARE
Hand hygiene Personal protective equipment Cleaning and disinfection Sterilisation of instruments Waste segregation Isolation, where indicated
WHY HAND HYGIENE DOMINATES
It is the single most effective measure and the most frequently omitted.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
Facilities available at the point of care Supplies that do not run out Expectation that it happens
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Handwashing points and sanitiser, accessible where care occurs.
WHY ACCESSIBILITY
Compliance falls when facilities are distant.
WHAT STERILISATION REQUIRES
Correct process for the instrument Verification that it worked Records
WHAT VERIFICATION MEANS
Indicators confirming the cycle achieved its conditions.
WHY RECORDS
They evidence that instruments used were sterile.
WHAT CLEANING REQUIRES
A schedule Defined products and methods Assigned responsibility Checking
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT LINEN
How it is handled, washed and stored.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT STAFF HEALTH
Immunisation, as recommended for the setting What happens when staff are unwell
WHY
Staff working while infectious transmit to patients.
WHAT TO ENSURE
That reporting illness does not cost them.
WHAT TO TRAIN
Everyone, on arrival and periodically.
WHAT TO RECORD
Training, cleaning, sterilisation and any incident.
