October 16-22 has been designated as International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) dedicated to the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections.

Up to date, in the , 20 states have joined this celebration. This year’s theme, “Infection Prevention: It’s In Your Hands,” will be highlighted at the National Press Club on Oct. 19, 2006 in Washington, D.C. Infection prevention and control professionals, Featured at this event is Cheryl Herbert, director of infection control at Alleghany General Hospital, who will present her success in reducing hospital-acquired infection (nosocomial infection) through innovative partnerships.

When are  Quebec and going to join the club?

The public reporting of Hospital-infection rates has been the topic of intense discussions in the California Legislature.Two years ago, Gov Schwarzenegger, under the pressure of hospital association lobby groups,  strongly opposed the first bill requesting a public report of infection rate. Finally, last year, Bill SB739 was signed into a law, far less demanding for hospitals and simply requesting them to make public certain procedures to lower the rate of infections.

It is surprising how often one must clarify evidence!

The professional Order of Quebec Nurses has just issued a list of recommendations to its members in order to tackle hospital-acquired infections.

• Uniform: should only be worn on hospital premises.
• Nails; short (5mms or less), no varnish, false nails prohibited
• Jewellry: all rings prohibited
• Beard: must be covered while performing certain tasks (changing dressings)
• Shoes: sturdy, closed shoes for work use only
• Ties and any type of cord: must be securely tied to prevent contact with any surface

 Our association  congratulates such a positive initiative!

Hopefully, these recommendations will be strictly followed and we will no longer witness the parade of medical staff in hospitable garb congregating outside hospital doors or on public transportation etc.

For comparison purposes:
The be allowed to visit a pig farm in Québec, one must change clothes completely and wear a sterile uniform. The food industry has long established very strict norms concerning the employees’ uniforms.

Excellent and well documented article in the Sept. 30 Globe and mail
“Hospital scourge
Millions of patients are infected by bacteria, and many die. The burgeoning biological invasion makes SARS and the West Nile virus look like trifling distractions, ANDREW NIKIFORUK writes”

Andrew Nikiforuk is the author of Pandemonium: Bird Flu, Mad Cow Disease and Other Biological Plagues of the 21st Century, published by Penguin Group.