Infection Control Measures

Nosocomial infections are largely preventable. It is important that all staff adhere to appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in order to reduce this risk.

Children, particularly infants and neonates, are prone to acquiring nosocomial infections. Outbreaks of these infections occur regularly, generally as a result of a breakdown in IPC.

• All staff need to follow the WHO’s 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene:

• Doctors need to use an antiseptic agent like D-Germ™ (0.5%Chlorhexidine + 70%Alcohol) for hand hygiene between patients and in accordance with the 5 Moments above. 
• If hands are soiled then these need to be washed with antiseptic soap and water.
• Stethoscopes need to be cleaned with an alcohol swab before each patient contact – particularly the diaphragm and bell which touch patients.
• Rings and watches are not permitted to be worn whilst working in the neonatal unit (16A, 16B, and 16C).
• In the Neonatal unit the rule is nothing to be worn below the elbows (so no jerseys or jackets either)
• Healthcare workers who are ill with an infectious disease need to consider the risk they place others at.
• Use of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as goggles, gloves, masks and gowns are Departmental policy whenever a procedure is being done or there is more than minimal risk of infection.
• Gloves are to be worn at all times when a procedure that may involve contact with infectious bodily fluids is performed.
• Gloves are to be worn when putting up a drip or doing a lumbar puncture.
• Needles are to be disposed off safely by the individual who is using them.
• Ensure that one has a sharps container close at hand prior to a procedure so that sharps can be disposed off directly and immediately after use.
•  Regarding procedures - we strongly discourage the practice of leaving one’s ‘mess’ (jelcos, needles, packaging etc.) for someone else to clean. This is the responsibility of the operator