Just like any other healthcare setting, dental surgeries need to adopt numerous infection prevention and control measures. Key to this is understanding the key sources of infection, and the means by which infections might spread. Key Sources of Infection in Dental Practices Communicable diseases usually spread via direct contact with a person carrying the infection. […]
In a healthcare setting, “environmental decontamination” refers to the process of thoroughly cleaning surfaces as part of effective infection prevention and control. In this post we’ll discuss the various stages of environmental decontamination in hospitals and healthcare settings and explain when these should be implemented. The Role of Environmental Decontamination in Infection Prevention and Control […]
In this post we’ll discuss how infections spread in hospitals and explore some ways you can prevent and control infections in your hospital. Ways Infections Spread in Hospitals Most hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) spread in one of two ways: As a result of treatment. From person-to-person, or via another communicable disease vector (pathogens on a surface, […]
All healthcare services in the UK are currently facing a number of serious, ongoing issues. Staff shortages and industrial action have resulted in long ambulance waiting times, and there have also been reports of scores of dentists leaving the NHS. The veterinary sector has faced similar challenges. In this post we’ll discuss the 2023 vet […]
Any outbreak of infection in a care home must be considered a high-priority issue. Infections can easily spread in any location where people share facilities, and care home residents are high-risk groups: If they develop an infection, they’re more likely to experience severe symptoms. What is an Outbreak? The NHS defines an infectious disease outbreak […]
In this post we’ll discuss some of the most common hospital acquired infections and explore the impact they can have on patient outcomes. What is a Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI or HCAI)? Healthcare associated infections (HAI, or HCAI) are infections staff and patients contract through spending time in healthcare settings such as GP surgeries, care […]
When it comes to infection, elderly people and other care home residents are high-risk groups. This means that, if they catch an infection, they’re more likely to experience severe symptoms. This isn’t the only reason why infections are a major concern in care homes. Infections can easily spread in any setting where people share facilities. […]
The healthcare sector is currently facing severe staffing shortages. This is contributing to a number of problems, including a huge backlog of care, and long ambulance waiting times. It goes without saying that staff shortages can have a negative impact on the quality-of-care hospitals and other healthcare settings can deliver. Yet there are some areas […]
Entonox – also referred to as N20, or “gas and air” – is a painkiller that’s used in multiple healthcare settings, including maternity departments. Though it provides effective short-term pain relief, there are some risks to using Entonox. Short Term Entonox Exposure Risks Short-term exposure to Entonox can cause dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and hallucinations. Long […]
In this post we’ll explore each of these levels of decontamination in turn, discussing the procedures involved, and when they’d apply in a hospital or healthcare setting. What Are The Three Levels of Decontamination For Infection Control There are three levels of decontamination for infection control: Cleaning Sterilisation Disinfection Healthcare Equipment Risk Levels All healthcare […]