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Improved infection control is an important way to help support your hard-working nurses. DDC Dolphin will help you to establish the most appropriate infection control solution to empower your nurses - enabling efficiency, personal protection, and excellent patient care. Find out more: https://bit.ly/40v21X7 #nursing

Staff Shortages and other Problems Persist in U.S. Nursing Homes Federal investigators have found that infection control lapses, severe staffing shortages, employee burnout, and lowering vaccination rates are persistent problems in the nation’s nursing homes, with much of the circumstances being leftovers from the COVID pandemic that are proving resistant to fixing. As reported by the New York Times (NYT), which reviewed the report, many facilities are struggling to stay afloat. Some have had to reduce their bed count; some have closed. “For nursing homes, the inability to attract and retain certified nurse aides, dietary services staff and housekeeping workers is tied to federal and state reimbursements that do not cover the full cost of care,” the NYT stated. Nursing home administrators say they’re caught between needing to hire more staff at higher wages and too little revenue to afford it. The findings in the report were turned over to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that oversees 1.2 million nursing home residents whose care is provided mainly by the federal government. The lowered vaccination rates for both residents and staff in nursing homes is concerning because at the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020, two in five Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes were infected with COVID. More than 1,300 nursing homes had infection rates of 75 percent or higher during surge periods, with accompanying surges in death rates. Now the spread of vaccine misinformation has exacerbated the problem. The CDC says only 41 percent of nursing home residents and 7 percent of employees are up to date with vaccines. One public health expert in long-term care was quoted as saying the bottom-line problem is “a lack of political will to spend what it takes to support Americans in their golden years.” Contributed by Ken Burrows for AgeWise Colorado

Did you happen to see Infection Control Today® 's recent article "How Cleaning Medical Equipment Directly Affects Patient Safety and Equipment Longevity". It discusses the importance of proper medical equipment cleaning and sterilization, and how it can significantly reduce infection risks, improving patient outcomes and safety. And this why we’re partnering with Leapfrog to host an important webinar, "The Enemy Within: How Mattresses Are a Fifth Column in Your Healthcare Facilities," focused on the often-overlooked dangers of improperly cleaned healthcare mattresses. In recent years, safety advisories have emphasized how mattresses, when not reprocessed correctly, can become breeding grounds for infections, putting both patients and staff at risk. Why should hospitals attend? This webinar will: -Discuss the scope of HAIs and their impact on patient safety, including the role of improperly cleaned mattresses. -Address common misconceptions that drive suboptimal cleanliness protocols and lead to unnecessary infections. -Explore options for improving mattress reprocessing and how to align with the latest safety standards. Join us on October 16th at 1:00 pm, to gain valuable insights on how to combat this invisible threat within your facility, reduce HAIs, and improve patient outcomes. Register today by clicking on this link: https://lnkd.in/gHB9-kDY #infectioncontrol #hospital #Nurses #nursing #doctor #infectionprevention

Opinion : Importance of Responsible Behaviour in Hospitals. While it’s essential to hold authorities accountable for maintaining hospital standards, visitors, patients, and patient attendants also have a critical role to play. By avoiding unnecessary overcrowding of emergency departments, maintaining hygiene, using facilities responsibly, and adhering to infection control practices, we can contribute to a better, more efficient healthcare system. Responsible behavior not only helps the hospital function smoothly but also ensures that every patient receives the best possible care. Overcrowding in emergency departments exacerbates the strain on healthcare facilities and compromises the quality of care… we always criticise hospital authorities , but about us- the irresponsible attitudes and behaviour’s. Let us cooperate with hospital authorities to serve us better — “We are working on how to make emergency services better and tackle the huge rush. We are working on how we can add manpower and make medicines available. We will take the required measures to ensure that the SKIMS emergency is better,” said Dr Ashraf Ganie, the new Director of SKIMS . read full in link -gk 14 july 2024, https://lnkd.in/g79WbFZm

Our new article highlights the impact of negative perceptions of safety climate and the importance of management support for patient safety. Read more about it in Infection Control Today!

Why switching to Reusable Surgical Gowns? Reusable surgical gowns are a more sustainable infection control solution for Trusts looking to lower their carbon footprint, and they come with multiple benefits. As well as providing environmental and economic advantages, they are independently tested to ensure quality and performance. NHS England’s recently published ‘How-To Guide: Reusable Sterile & Isolation Gowns’ highlights the benefits of switching to reusable surgical gowns and provides evidence on cost savings and protection levels. Some of the key points highlighted in the report include: - Revenue and savings - “on average reusable surgical gowns are 45% cheaper, with VAT reclaimable on reusable products.” (1) - Liability and risk - “(…) reusable gowns outperform single use on key safety measures of protection, durability, fluid resistance and strength…” (2) - Greener NHS ambition – reusable gowns provide “carbon reductions of 69%...” (3) - Ease of implementation – “Laundered gowns are frequently replenished, requiring less storage space than single use gowns that are stored in greater volumes to ensure resilience for stock availability.” The guide also provides recommendations on how to set up and successfully implement a reusable gowns scheme. You can access the report here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eC93Htff For more information about our reusable surgical gowns please contact our team on 0800 612 7237 or email UK-Surgical.Marketing@elis.com (1) NHSE calculations based on NHS and supplier data (2) McQuerry M et. al. 2021 Disposable vs reusable medical gowns: a performance comparison AJIC 49(5):563-570 https://lnkd.in/dHhAxFr (3) T Blazejewski, R Rothman 2022 Life Cycle Assessment of Elis’ Reusable Hospital Gowns – Executive Summary available at https://lnkd.in/eCQhJGTD  

October marks International Infection Prevention Week, a critical time to emphasize that one in every 10 patients in developing countries like ours acquires a hospital-acquired infection. Preventing such harm is the responsibility of every healthcare worker. Cygnia Healthcare, in collaboration with NurseIndia, is proud to present a series of discussions led by our trained Infection Prevention and Control Nurses (ICNs) on key infection prevention topics. Since 2020, Cygnia Healthcare has trained over 150 ICNs, empowering future leaders in healthcare with vital skills. ICNs play a pivotal role in ensuring patient safety within hospitals, and their expertise is more critical than ever. Join us for these free webinars to gain insights into the latest strategies and solutions, moderated by Master Trainer Thankam Gomez Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges faced by our healthcare system and the steps we can take to overcome them. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation on safeguarding our patients and shaping a safer healthcare future! Block your calendars and watch this space for the Zoom links for each webinar. #IPW #infectionprevention #infectioncontrol #infectioncontrolnurse #nurses #nursingstudents

🛡️ Protecting Nursing Home Residents from MRSA and MSSA Infections What are MRSA and MSSA? MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and MSSA (Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus) are types of staph infections commonly found on the skin. MSSA can be treated with many antibiotics, while MRSA is resistant to most antibiotic treatments. Who Is at Risk? -Individuals with weakened immune systems -People with respiratory illnesses like COPD -Nursing home residents -People with open wounds, such as bedsores Causes in Nursing Homes: -Poor infection control policies -Inadequate hand hygiene by staff -Poor wound care and maintenance -Insufficient cleaning of surfaces and food safety measures Signs and Symptoms: Cellulitis: Red, swollen, and painful tissue under the skin Impetigo: Fluid-filled blisters that burst, leaving a yellow or brown crust Abscesses: Red, painful sores (boils) Once staph bacteria enter the bloodstream (bacteremia), symptoms worsen: Temperature changes (fever or hypothermia) Mental decline (confusion, sleepiness) Extreme illness (increased heart rate, low blood pressure, shortness of breath) Nursing homes must maintain strict hygiene and infection control practices to prevent these infections. If you or a loved one has been affected by negligent care leading to an infection, contact a nursing home abuse attorney to seek justice. #nursinghomeabuse #NursingHomeNeglect #eldercare #elderlycare #negligence

As I am sure you know, a National Patient Safety Alert was issued by the MHRA in August last year which gives all those responsible for the use, purchase, prescription and maintenance of medical beds, trolleys, bed rails, bed grab handles and lateral turning devices until the 1st March 2024 (just 9 days from now) to comply – with no additional funding or support. An unnecessary number of patients are hurt, or worse, from injuries sustained from entrapment in bed rails each year. Sometimes these are as a result of rails being used unnecessarily, sometimes they are poorly fitted or in disrepair, and sometimes they are unsuitable for the patient’s size and stature. But even if your rails are suitable, if you are someone who falls into the responsible category, you may still need to meet some outstanding actions in order to comply. While we understand the intended purpose and concept of bed rails, we have been liaising with councils, hospitals, and healthcare professionals about an alternative solution to help with fall prevention and entrapment risks. Our solution Our HD Deluxe™ Small Body Positioning Wedges can be positioned along the edge of the bed at points where the patient is at risk. Their special anti-slip surface grips the mattress surface and creates a soft barrier. Positioned directly on the mattress and covered by any type of base sheet used for bedding, (aiding downward pressure and therefore restricted wedge movement), the patient is given a safe and comfortable barrier to prevent falls whilst not causing entrapment concerns for the client or the care giver. Additionally, the patient’s skin is protected as the base sheet covers the anti-slip material. There are a number of advantages to this form of safeguarding: SAFER - There are no gaps or areas where the patient could be entrapped. INCREDIBLY VERSATILE – when a barrier isn’t needed the wedges can be easily removed and still have a lot of uses. Check out our website for some ideas! PSYCHOLOGICALLY MORE INVITING – nicer for the patient and their visitors as they are more accessible. If feels less confined and subsequently the patient less frail. COST EFFECTIVE – significantly cheaper than new beds, and with the added bonus of multiple uses. FLEXIBLE – it doesn’t just work for hospital beds. They are an excellent option for those prone to falling from any normal domestic bed too. INFECTION PREVENTION – fully wipe clean for infection prevention and control purposes to ensure good health and recyclability with stores. You can find the wedge on our website here: https://lnkd.in/e-ai6_Pm #bedfall #FallPrevention #fallpreventiontips #fallpreventionawareness #mhra #positioningwedge #patientcare #patientcareathome

NEW AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS CONFLICT As everyone knows, we have moved from ASNZ 4815:2006 to the combined Hospital/Dental Standard of AS 5369:2023 (Apart from New Zealand - you guys are still ASNZ 4815:2006). But what has changed? Anything? If you were to take ASNZ 4187:2014 (the old hospital standard) and align it with the new AS 5369:2023, you would see they are almost identical. How many dental practices out there use the following: - Large Steam Sterilisers? - Large batch washing systems? - Have independent isolation areas in the procedure room? - Use pass through systems inside their steri area? The list goes on and on and on. The fact is that AS 5369:2023 is merely a reference standard and nothing more. For those of you who have received your copy of AS 5369:2023, you will notice that there is a “NORMATIVE REFERENCES” section in the first few pages (varies between versions). Within the normative references pages you will see a list of ISO/EN/BSI/DIN scientific references. These are the actual methods on how to perform your infection control. Such as cleaning and scrubbing instruments, types of sterilisers, testing methods for indicators, disinfection of surfaces, ultrasonic validation etc. Therefore if you were to be trained on standards for infection control in your practice then you would only assume that those responsible for your training would have an in depth knowledge, and firm ISO training in order to provide you with information on how to apply these methods into your practice right? Take a quick scan through your AS 5369:2023 standard. How long do you think it will take you to read, understand and apply those methods throughout this standard into your practice? Essentially, you are supposed to conform to the new standard within 24 months. So, let’s say you manage to wrap your head around it in 24 months. Now you have to buy the other 38 ISO/EN/BSI/DIN standards and do the same thing. Except the ISO standards are incredibly hard to interpret in comparison to ASNZ standards. Therefore it is unlikely that the information you are being provided is accurate. Let’s allow the biochemists to assist dentists in scientific standards and let’s leave the hearsay of committees with no biochemical and ISO training to handle other important things such as: what is the correct height of the reception desk, and what are best shoelaces to wear when performing surgery? It’s not “WHAT” you’re doing that matters, it’s the “EVIDENCE” you hold that states what you are doing “works” that counts. Protect Your Practice!