Hygiene
Patient care is our top priority and cleanliness and infection control procedures are integral to that commitment.
Hospital Cleanliness
To prevent the spread of infection it is crucial to follow stringent infection control procedures. All the staff at The Horder Centre are fully trained to observe our exceptional levels of hygiene and our own employed housekeeping team ensure the hospital is spotless.
Staff and visitors are requested to rub alcohol gel onto their hands before and after they have been into patient areas to help prevent and control any infections at the hospital. We also ask that visitors do not sit or lie on the patient's bed. This will prevent any germs that may be on clothing from coming in to direct contact with a patient's wound.
The Ward Sister will ensure that the cleaning meets our strict standards.
The level of a hospital's cleanliness is a key contributor to the rate of infections spread.
At The Horder Centre, we are proud of our high standards of cleanliness and pleased to announce that we achieved a 95% excellent and 5% good from a questionnaire sent to 2,241 patients of which 67% completed and returned the forms.
As a precautionary method, we also request that visitors do not come to the hospital if they are unwell for example, do not visit if you are suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, flu or chicken pox. If you have any doubts then please check with the ward staff before visiting.
Infection control
We recognise the importance of managing infections by observing strict guidelines designed to control and reduce infection rates as set out by the Government including screening all patients for MRSA prior to surgery and exceptional levels of cleanliness and hand hygiene. Equally, we understand that the well-being of our patients is greatly improved if they can be reassured that our hospital is dedicated to creating the optimum conditions to avert incidences of risk of infection.
What is MRSA?
MRSA is short for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Staphylococcus Aureus is a common bacteria found on the skin of many people. MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus Aureus that has become resistant to many of the commonly used antibiotics. MRSA does not always cause infection and can be washed from skin. If it is found in the nose it can be treated with a special ointment.
How does it affect people?
It does not normally affect healthy people, but it may delay the healing process, particularly in sick patients.
How do people catch MRSA?
MRSA lives on dead skin particles, dust, and is found in the environment from time to time. It will do little or no harm unless it invades the body. The spread of MRSA is usually by human contact, mainly by touch (via the hands). This can be limited by thorough hand washing and general cleanliness.
How do hospitals screen for MRSA?
Swabs are taken by the nursing staff of the most common areas of carriage; nose, throat, groin and any open wound.
Who is screened for MRSA?
All elective admissions will be screened from 1st April 2009 in line with an initiative led by the Department of Health to reduce healthcare related infections. Emergency admissions or transfers into the hospital from another hospital will be screened on admission and the patients isolated until the swab results are known.
Can it be treated?
Yes, by taking the prescribed ointments and washes. Occasionally, antibiotics may be prescribed when there is infection or risk of infection.
Can MRSA return after treatment?
A person is said to be clear of MRSA when repeated check swabs are negative. However, MRSA can return. If you have previously had MRSA it is advisable to inform nursing or medical staff at pre-admission and on admission to hospital.
Do patients with MRSA have to be isolated?
Patients who are known to have MRSA will be nursed in a side room. Patients who are awaiting swab results will be nursed in a side room as a precaution.
Can the spread of MRSA be minimised?
Healthy people are at very little risk of catching MRSA but they should wash and dry their hands thoroughly on leaving the ward and use alcohol gel readily available throughout the hospital. Visitors will be asked to wear disposable gloves and aprons only if participating in the nursing care of patients with MRSA, or if they have close contact with more than one patient. Patients with MRSA can help limit the spread of MRSA by remaining in their rooms/by their bed area as much as possible.
Can visitors infect other people?
Not if they follow the advice given in this leaflet. Although MRSA is unlikely to harm children and pregnant women, it is sensible to restrict visits from those who may be vulnerable to any infections, such as the elderly, newborn babies or those recovering from illness. Visitors should wash their hands thoroughly on leaving (this is of particular importance if you are going to visit any other patients). Visitors who are asked to wear disposable gloves and aprons should dispose of them using a yellow clinical waste bag.
Will it delay my discharge?
Not usually. MRSA does not generally cause concern outside the hospital environment. Sometimes the ointments and washes prescribed in hospital may be continued at home. You will be advised on discharge as to any precautions to be taken.
What about washing clothes?
You can wear your own clothes, which should be changed and washed daily. Your family or visitors should take home your worn clothes and night attire. A hot wash is sufficient for the clothes of anyone with MRSA, whether in or out of hospital.
Latest Clinical Outcomes
January to March 2010
Since April 2007, the Healthcare Commission has begun collecting key performance indicators (KPIs) from healthcare providers. The Horder Centre's own KPIs have been established for a number of years and this year is no exception:
- Surgical site infections (hips) 0.5%
- Surgical site infections (knees) 0.0%
- Unplanned re-admissions within 29 days of discharge 0.9%
- Unplanned returns to theatre 0.5%
- Unplanned transfers to another hospital 0.5%
Based on a total of 1160 patients during the first quarter of 2010.
