ADVIN.ORG - Association for the Défense of Victims of Nosocomial Infections

According to recent published figures for 2009, the overwhelming majority (92%) of health care establishments in France are doing a good job of preventing and containing HAI'S. France has one of the lowest HAI rates in Europe due to the implementation of a systematic prevention and control program ten years ago. France's HAI rate is only 4.9% compared to 10% in Quebec and the other Canadian provinces.

Unfortunately, zero risk isn't even on the radar screen of hospital administrators and greater efforts on their part are required to better protect patients and attain zero risk. Our health is priceless but it entails costs and the quest for optimal hygiene in our hospitals has become a multi million-dollar market.

The systematic use of alcohol based gels and foams during epidemics or outbreaks have significantly reduced the incidence of gastroenteritis among the general population and particularly among elementary school children.

"In spite of a infection rate comparable to last year's, hospitals throughout the province are on edge with the winter season.  Since 2004, public health officials have set up surveillance systems to track C. difficile, VRIs, and MRSA's. Unfortunately in Quebec, progress in the fight against NI's has moved along at a snail's pace and health care authorities have been somewhat less that forthcoming when it comes to providing information to the public. Little information is provided about the NI rate for any given hospital and even less about infection prevention measures. However, certain hospitals have done excellent work and should be commended for their efforts.