Infection Prevention & Control


Blackrock Clinic approach to Infection Prevention and  Control 

Infections have always been a side effect of medical treatment, especially in hospitals. We are more aware of healthcare -associated infections today because we can recognize these infections easier.

About one third of healthcare associated infections can be prevented. Here at Blackrock Clinic we take a very serious and zero tolerance to infection and are pro active in its prevention. A full time Infection Control Nurse is employed who overseas all aspects of infection control in the hospital and is supported by a consultant Microbiologist.

Steps that we take to prevent infection within are organisation are as follows;
  • Hand hygiene facilities available for all persons entering and leaving the hospital
  • Careful and appropriate use of antibiotic therapy
  • A high standard of environmental cleaning
  • Patients with infections will require isolation (being nursed in a single room) to prevent infection spreading from person to person. Visitors may be required to wear aprons before entering patients rooms
  • Ongoing education in the prevention and control of infection is given to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals by the Infection Control Team
  • Information leaflets for patients and visitors are available in the hospital

In addition visitors do play their part and we ask the following of them

  • To avoid close contact if you are sick, have a fever or other symptoms of a contagious illness for example a cough, runny nose, vomiting, or diarhoea. We request that you stay at home and not visit the hospital until the symptoms have subsided for 48 hours. (This incudes children) 
  • We ask visitors not to sit on beds but to use the chairs provided
  • We ask visitors not to change infants nappies in patient rooms but to use the Nappy changing facilities in the bathroom on the ground floor
  • Children are not permitted into the ICU department unless under special circumstances 

We do hope you find this section of the website specifically dedicated to Infection Control helpful.
The infection Control Team can provide additional information if you have any queries,  they can be contacted via this website or by phone 01-2832222 (bleep 27).