Purpose of Infection Control

The Infection Control Manual is developed to increase awareness among all health care workers regarding the prevention and control of nosocomial infections and to increase compliance with safety measures, particularly Universal Precautions . The safety of the patients and employees lies in the understanding and conscientious application of these basic principles, especially for those patients with infections or diminished resistance to infection.

It is well recognised that nosocomial infections are preventable. Nosocomial infections not only prolong the hospital stay and increase the cost of hospitalisation, they also result in increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is the responsibility of all health care workers to practice preventive measures.

An effective infection control program requires support from higher management and active participation from all patient care team members and support services.

The Infection Control Manual constitutes the policies, protocols, guidelines and infection control procedures implemented and monitored for safe practice at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).

Several documents are referred to during the preparation of this manual, including the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Policies written in this manual have been approved by the Joint Staff Committee of AKUH.

Philosophy of Infection Control

The aim of the Infection Control Team is to limit the acquisition and spread of pathogenic micro-organisms by using scientifically based knowledge, thorough planning, surveillance, education and research as a part of an organisational policy of providing the best possible and cost efficient care to our patients. We believe that the Infection Control Committee has a responsibility to create a safe environment for all patients, care givers and visitors. We believe that the Infection Control Committee has a responsibility for reinforcing the Infection Control Policy and Procedures in order to prevent the spread of infection and to promote a healthy environment. We believe that the Infection Control Committee has a responsibility for establishing a practical system of identifying, reporting, evaluating and maintaining records of infection among patients and employees. Infection Control Committee also has the responsibility for establishing a practical system of on going-data collection, the analysis of that data and the follow-up action.

We believe that continuing education is essential for the professional growth, development and orientation of all new employees as to the importance of infection control. We believe that the Infection Control orientation consists of the following:

1. Personal hygiene
2. Chain of infection, preventive measures
3. Isolation categories and patient care
4. Safe management of sharps, linen and hospital waste
5. Universal blood and body fluid precautions
6. Management of exposure to blood and body fluid and needle stick injuries
7. Employees responsibility in the Infection Control Programme

We believe that the Infection Control Committee must support and contribute to the philosophy, goal, objectives and policies of the organisation. We believe that infection is preventable in hospital settings by implementing and reinforcing preventive measures. We believe that it is the ethical and legal responsibility of every care giver to protect their patients, colleagues and themselves from acquiring nosocomial infection by practicing safe patient care practice.

Infection Control Committee

Committee

The Infection Control Committee consists of representatives from all patients care disciplines at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).