Newsletter Articles

Healthcare-associated infections are the fifth leading cause of death in acute-care hospitals in the United States and the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. These infections have a significant impact on patients, families, healthcare institutions and the economy. Healthcare institutions face reductions in reimbursements and their brand equity, and the economy faces billions of dollars in excess healthcare costs. From emerging pathogens to “super bugs,” the public has never been more aware of

‘Tis the season!  Those pesky pathogens love the colder weather and seem to come out in force in the fall and winter. Influenza, norovirus, colds, and enterovirus…..some are more difficult to kill than others, but they are all spread in a similar way.  These germs can make you feel miserable, and under the right conditions, can quickly move from person to person, even causing outbreaks or epidemics! Are you prepared to battle the winter season

HARD FACTS ABOUT SOFT SURFACES There are numerous resources available that discuss the importance of cleaning and disinfection of hard surfaces, and the laundering of fabrics and linens; however there has been very little focus on the potential risk associated with soft surfaces in recent years.  There are numerous clinical studies from around the world that have demonstrated that soft surfaces in healthcare settings, such as privacy curtains, uniforms, upholstered fabrics, and patient gowns

Recent studies have demonstrated that the environment plays a role in the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).  Environmental surfaces and patient care equipment are important reservoirs for pathogens.  Contaminated surfaces increase the risk of transmission to patients either through their direct contact with contaminated surfaces or by contaminating the hands of healthcare workers who then transfer these pathogens to patients or other surfaces.  This evidence supports the need to improve cleaning and disinfection of

Maybe you should be… A new study shows that ready-to-use disinfectant wipes increase compliance while saving time and money. Selecting the right disinfectant and cleaning tools can be a real challenge in a healthcare setting.  There are numerous criteria that need to be taken into consideration when you are designing your cleaning and disinfecting program, and as you’ll see below a simple cleaning tool can be a complex variable in the effectiveness of your

There are many potential hurdles to consider relative to proper cleaning and disinfection in the healthcare environment.  Being aware and addressing these up front can help reduce risk, and potentially save unnecessary costs in the long run.  Outlined are some considerations which, if addressed, may help mitigate negative consequences. Choosing the Right Disinfectant Choose the right disinfectant.  Understand the pathogens of risk in your facility, and select a disinfectant that is effective against those

Teaming Up to Win the War Against Multidrug-Resistant Organisms  “Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.”– Virginia Burden St. Francis Medical Center is the largest hospital in Northeast Louisiana, with over 2,200 employees and more than 300 physicians who provide quality care in 45 medical specialties.  In 2013, St. Francis Medical Center was recognized as one of the best hospitals in Louisiana, and has been recognized for their

The evidence shows that daily cleaning of high touch surfaces and the cleaning of patient care equipment between patients can reduce the amount of contamination, and lead to a lower risk of pathogen transmission.  But the real question becomes, how do you ensure that daily cleaning and disinfection is happening? Disinfectant wipes provide the easiest and most convenient option for enabling your staff.  It really comes down to making sure you select the right

“What gets measured gets managed.” Peter Drucker What looks clean may not be clean or disinfected.   Because pathogens are microscopic (aka invisible), it is nearly impossible to measure the cleanliness of a room with visual inspection alone.  Yet this is how the majority of healthcare facilities measure patient room cleanliness. Studies have shown that environmental surfaces play a significant role in the transmission of pathogens.  These invisible pathogens are often found on frequently-touched surfaces

Uniting EVS and IPC has transformed its organization Great teams typically have a number of characteristics in common – a great leader, a common goal, shared values, and complementary skills.  When these teams are put into action, extraordinary results can be achieved. Meet Lakeridge Health, which demonstrates daily what it takes to provide a safe environment for patient care.  Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s largest community hospitals where about 5,000 healthcare professionals and