This site is intended for health professionals only

New programme reduces C. diff

teaser

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has achieved a 66.46% reduction in Clostridium difficile (C. diff.) hospital acquired infections (HAIs) since establishing a rolling programme of regular and thorough and effective maintenance, deep cleaning and decontamination of the hospital environment and patient equipment. Graeme Kelly, Quality and Decontamination Manager at the Trust, explained: “In October 2009, we established a programme of regular proactive decontamination of all wards using five STERIS BioGienie® hydrogen peroxide disinfectant delivery systems. This was made possible by the Trust creating a decant ward to allow for the temporary relocation of patients without the loss of any funded beds.”

Alongside this programme, the team has provided a reactive service also using the BioGienie systems, which is initiated by a ward hygienist being contacted prior to or immediately following the discharge or transfer of patients with C. diff.

Graeme added: “We immediately noticed a significant reduction in all HAIs, including MRSA and norovirus, and data accumulated since then has confirmed a 66.46 % reduction in C. diff. HAIs within 18 months of the start of the programme. An important factor has been the appointment of dedicated ward hygienists, who work in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team. Having the support of an enthusiastic, driven and focussed team, including domestics, porters, estates staff, IPCT and nursing staff has been key to these significant reductions. This is a forward-thinking Trust committed to improving patient safety, and the BioGienie has enabled us to put easy, effective and safe systems and protocols in place.”

STERIS






Be in the know
Subscribe to Hospital Pharmacy Europe newsletter and magazine

x