Infection Prevention and Control

What is infection control and why is it important? Infection control facilitates an environment that endeavors to prevent the transmission of disease to protect the health and safety of each resident, family, visitor and staff member. Infection control is integral to safe nursing practice. Residents of long term care facilities are at increased risk for developing infections due to immune and other body systems related to the aging process. Purpose of infection control: To promote wellness through education and immunization To prevent infections and the spread of communicable conditions to each resident, family member and volunteer To manage infections and disease through daily surveillance of existing conditions To enhance the infection control program by ensuring access to new theories and practices What can you as a resident expect? The immunization program for residents of Park Lane Terrace includes: Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening within 14 days of admission. Annual fluzone clinics Pneumococcal vaccine Tetanus vaccine The immunization program for Park Lane Terrace personnel includes: Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening of volunteers and newly hired staff Annual fluzone clinics INFECTION CONTROL IS EVERYONE‘S BUSINESS! Hand washing is the cornerstone of infection control. Hand washing is the most effective method of controlling infection and disease. All departments within the home are supportive of and play an important role in the infection control program. An important component of the Infection Control program is the ongoing education of residents, volunteers and staff. Awareness of the mode of infection transmission is paramount to the prevention and control of such conditions. Park Lane Terrace offers scheduled and impromptu educational opportunities for staff and volunteers.