MRSA sucess for first hospital to use hand gels

Link: Business theory may have role in MRSA control.

    Hosain has applied business management theory to infection prevention. The IPCS has seven staff members and 200 link practitioners, who are trained in infection prevention and control,working together to implement their strategy. All staff members, including outsourced staff, are subject to regular independent audits of hygiene and standards. "It's about looking at a total package. The key is system-based, quality management, where hygiene is integrated into the framework of total services provision. When you're quality orientated, a complaint is good for you," Hosain explains. Hand-washing is seen as a major factor in preventing the spread of MRSA and other infections. The Cardiff and Vale Trust attributes a significant part of its success in reducing the number of infections to the increase in the number of alcohol gel dispensers in its hospitals. The trust was the first in the UK and Ireland to introduce the alcohol gel, which is rubbed into hands preventing infection, and a number of healthcare facilities have since followed suit.