Taking the lead in infection control
February 27th 2008 Arecent spate of news stories has reported an alarming rise in secondary infections acquired in hospitals, says Mark Armitage, ISSA Director of European Services (pictured left).These infections— also termed ‘nosocomial infections,’ or infections that result from treatment in a hospital but are actually secondary to the patient’s original condition—include MRSA, E. coli, and C. difficile. In order to prevent further transmission of these dangerous bacteria, it is therefore vital for the cleaning industry to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection in hospitals.
“Cleaning is always the critical ingredient in maintaining a healthy building,” states an article on the ISSA website entitled ‘The Silent Killer.’ The cleaning professional “has a key role in managing the indoor environment so that the many contaminants that cause sickness are removed from contact with humans.When contaminants are removed or minimised through cleaning, human exposures and risks are reduced.”
Perhaps most essential to the cleaning process is the need to identify the difference between what looks clean and what actually is clean. Formites,or inanimate objects such as tables, doorknobs, railings, telephones, and glassware, are some of the most prominent conductors and carriers of invisible bacteria and can pose significant health risks if not cleaned properly. All precautions must be taken, especially in hospital settings where patients’ immune systems are already depleted.
Primary Care Trusts (PCT) are leading the way in some areas of the country. In northwest England, Sefton PCT has established a Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) & MRSA action plan to eliminate all avoidable cases of HCAI. Their primary goal is to identify problematic areas and to provide these areas with routine cleaning maintenance, consistently replacing cleaning equipment. The implementation of a public information campaign has also helped to inform both users and carers on how to reduce the spread of infection.
Like Sefton PCT, the ISSA focuses on getting information out through its diverse educational programmes, seminars, and exhibitions all over the world. We believe that a safer and healthier environment stems from the spread of knowledge, not just about the potential risks that people are exposed to every day, but also about potential solutions. Consequently, the ISSA constantly strives to ensure the cleaning industry is aware of and signed up to legislation that promotes stringent cleaning standards in the health sector and beyond.
The next ISSA/INTERCLEAN show will be held in Amsterdam in May this year. Its numerous exhibits will feature some of the world’s most popular and innovative products while a diverse seminar programme will include a session on ‘How the Cleaning Industry Can take the Lead in infection Control’ where the focus will be on combating MRSA, E.coli and C.difficile bacteria in hospitals and community buildings, including schools. For more information or to exhibit please contact Mark Armitage (see contact details below). More articles from ISSA Europe: | 
