Healthcare Associated Infections are a major public health problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease control (CDC), a Healthcare Associated Infection is defined as a localized or systemic condition resulting from an adverse reaction to the presence of an infectious agents(s) or its toxin(s) that (a) occurs in a patient in a healthcare setting, (b) was not found to be present or incubating at the time of admission unless the infection was related to a previous admission to the same setting and (c) if the setting is a hospital, meets the criteria for a specific infection site as defined by the CDC.

North Valley Hospital routinely practices infection control measures to help reduce the risks of infection. Some of the controls we use are: Standard and Transmission Based Precautions and Interventions recommended by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement such as implementation of “components of care to reduce surgical site infections” (appropriate use of antibiotics, appropriate hair removal, maintaining proper body temperature, and good hand hygiene).

“North Valley Hospital participates in the National Surgery Site Infection Initiative and conducts surveillance risk for surgeries including: knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty, colon surgery, and hysterectomies,” stated Susan FauntLeRoy, RN, Performance Improvement/Risk Management Coordinator at North Valley Hospital.

“Every employee, upon hire, is trained in hand hygiene according to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization guidelines. This also follows the National Hospital Patient Safety Goals. Annual reviews and random observations are conducted with employees and all healthcare providers” said FauntLeRoy. “Good hand hygiene is an ongoing major focus within our organization. Good hand hygiene practice includes washing with soap and water and using a waterless hand sanitizing product.”

The Hospital reports its infection rate on a quarterly basis to its Infection Control and Performance Improvement Committees, Medical Staff Executive Committee and Hospital Board of Trustees.

If you would like more information on healthcare associated infections please contact Susan FauntLeRoy, RN at North Valley Hospital, (406) 863-3540.