HAIR! Learn More About Infection Control at UM SRH

International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) was October 14-20, 2018. IIPW takes place every year during the third week of October to raise awareness of the critical role infection prevention plays in improving patient safety. Please take a moment to watch the HAIR (Hospital Acquired Infection Reduction) video above starring William Huffner, MD and Ruth Ann Jones as they share their thoughts on infection control priorities and the importance of your participation.

Thanks to all staff who participated in UM SRH Infection Prevention Week activities. According to the Infection Prevention team, Margaret Wood (shown above, right) won the $25 gift card in the random-drawing of entries to the “selfie contest” and special recognition goes to Donna Saunders (shown below, right) for her outstanding tie-dye couture on Tie-Dye Day, Friday, October 19.

Infection prevention is an ongoing priority for UM Shore Regional Health. Consider the following:
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 25 people in the U.S. gets a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in hospitals each year. Unfortunately, nearly 75,000 people in hospitals die each year with these infections.
  • Pneumonia, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), surgical site infections (SSI), and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) are the common HAIs that occur in hospital settings.
  • These infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
  • HAIs cause more illness to the patient, prolong hospital stay, and increase healthcare costs.