International Infection Prevention Week

12th Oct 2022

At Blackrock Clinic we are proud to join our colleagues at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology in raising awareness around infection prevention during International Infection Prevention Week, taking place from October 16-22 October 2022.

An infection occurs when people come into contact with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Some common types of hospital-acquired infections include pneumonia, bloodstream infections and urinary tract infections. In Ireland, an estimated 1 in 20 patients contracts a hospital-acquired infection.

The Good News

The good news is that one-third of hospital-acquired infections can be prevented. At Blackrock Clinic, we maintain a zero-tolerance approach to infection. Not only are we the only Irish hospital to provide treatment for all patients in single-occupancy rooms which helps prevent hospital-acquired infections, but we also have a stringent litany of counter-infection protocols in place. These include, but are not limited to:

●       screening all incoming patients for infection

●       providing ongoing education through the Infection Control Team for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals

●       adhering to strict decontamination policies and procedures

●       using isolation protocols for patients with resistant organisms

●       employing a full-time Infection Control Specialist Nurse who oversees all aspects of infection control and is supported by a consultant microbiologist

The result is that Blackrock Clinic has exceptionally low infection rates, as measured against national and international benchmarks.

We can all play a part

Infection prevention and control must be a priority to everybody who steps inside a hospital. We all play a part in keeping patients safe. Simple steps we can take to prevent infection transmission are:

●       Practice good hand hygiene

●       Avoid close contact if you are sick to prevent person-to-person infection spread.

●       Wear a mask appropriately within a healthcare environment

●       Adhere to current hospital visiting regulations. These are continuously reviewed in line with best clinical practice, and published on our website page: Visitor Information

In a world still recovering from the effects of a global pandemic, ensuring the prevention of and raising awareness around infection remains of huge importance. While infection prevention and control have always been an incredibly important aspect of public health and safety, Covid-19 was a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of infection, a mantra that Blackrock Clinic takes to heart 365 days a year.