Infection- This is an invasion by and multiplication of pathogenic, micro-organisms in a bodily part or tissue which could cause harm. Infections can be spread with ease, poor practice is the main reason for spread of infection. Examples of poor practices are not washing your hands regularly, hand washing should be done thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by hand-drying with a paper towel. Another example of poor practice is not covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. You should always get vaccinated and always use safe methods of cooking and preparing food.
Can be spread by touch, coughs and colds, it is good practise to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands after, disposing of any tissues in bins. It could also be prevented if residents do not share cutlery, cups or anything that may transfer infection to one another. Infection Control in your work place should be a part of everyday practice, and if followed to the correct procedure, can help to contain illnesses being spread. Diarrhoea, vomiting, coughs and colds are hard to contain in a nursing home because those residents who are mobile don't always understand that its in he interest of the home and the other residents that they are asked to stay in their rooms. Infections can also be transferred through visitors coming in to see their relatives.
It is important that hand washing is carried out correctly to prevent the spread of infection. Studies show that health care staff frequently use poor hand washing techniques and the most commonly neglected areas are the tips of the fingers, palm of the hand, and the thumb. Areas of hands frequently missed Front Back Good practice Fingernails should be kept clean and short. Do not wear false-nails or nail polish Jewellery (including a wrist watch) should not be worn, except a plain wedding band. Breaks anywhere on the skin should be covered with a waterproof dressing.
* Clinical staff are issued with special PPE to help clear spillages * When filters from chair leak – floor is flooded with sodium hypochlorite 1% * All staff trained to maintain good housekeeping standards * Spills cleared up immediately Are current precautions effective : Yes, as there have currently been no accidents Problems and issues: The leak from the chair and the filters has caused the floor in surgery 2 to become a hazard because it causes a slip/trip risk & bodily fluids which are a source of infectious micro-organisms (bacteria,viruses and fungi) leak from the filters. This becomes a risk/hazard because infection could happen following hand to mouth/nose/eye contact or via broken skin. Furthermore cleaning products used to clean spillages may contain hazardous substances such as biocides and surfactants which could cause irritation, dermatitis and breathing problems. Suggested improvement: Speak to practice manager to discuss maintenance and repair of chair. Discuss the hazards and risks involved if chair were to remain in its current
If a doctor sees a patient who has the flu, and doesn’t wash his before he goes to see his next patient, that patient may also get the flu. By being at the hospital, it probably means you are either injured or sick, and your immune system is probably not as strong as it normally is. This means you are more likely to get sick if you are exposed to anything. This is why washing your hands is important no matter where you are or who you are. It will keep you from getting sick and potentially everyone else around you.
Hospital-acquired infections are preventable and preventing them is straightforward: a code of cleanliness. Hands should be cleaned frequently with an anti-bacterial soap for at least 30 seconds. Gowns, masks and gloves should be worn frequently so that pathogens aren’t transmitted to the patient during treatment. Moreover, when moving a patient, the patient should wear a mask and should be moved only when necessary (Isolation Precaution Guidelines for Hospitals n.d.). People go to the hospital in order to get better from whatever ailment is troubling them.
Unit 4222-264 The principles of infection prevention and control 1.1 Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. There will be policies and procedures in all health and social care organisations that will outline what the employees’ roles and responsibilities are in relation to the prevention and control of infection. There will also be legislation in relation to infection control. It is up to all employees to know the legislation and the organisation’s policies and procedures so that they can take action to prevent the spread of infection in accordance with these. Employees’ also have a personal and moral responsibility to prevent and control the spread of infection as they are members of a caring society and profession.
If I come across a hazard such as bodily fluids spilt in an area or a staff member not wearing gloves I must report it immediately to a senior staff member and not ignore it as this may cause infection to spread. If a resident has past urine or bodily waste on the floor a member of staff should still clean it up and wear an apron and gloves even if the resident doesn’t have a infection as urine and bodily waste contain lots of other things. In my workplace I need to put these safe ways of working into practice; for example by effective hand washing, not coming into work when you’re not feeling well allowing myself 48 hours after id had a sickness bug as I will be putting other staff residents and visitors at risk, by not wearing jewellery when do activities with the residents as jewellery carries many germs and infections, by always wearing protective clothing; wearing an apron and gloves for procedures will reduce the spread of infection by preventing infection passing on from me to others
Introduction to personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s setting (SHC 22) – Unit 4222-202 Care workers promote the opportunity for service users to live in the community for as long as possible, by providing care and support to individuals and families. They work towards an assessed and planned package of support, care or maintenance program, this helps service users maximise their independence. Many duties for a care worker include performing basic personal care tasks as outlined in the service user’s care plan, such as feeding, dressing, assisting to toileting, total body washing. Any changes in the service user’s condition the care worker as a duty to report to senior management. A care worker must maintain an effective working relationship with service user’s, this helps by maintaining good communication.
ICO1 Outcome 1 Understand roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infections 1. Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection All employees are responsible for the prevention of spread of infections. Employees should also, in the care industry, have a personal as well as a moral responsibility to follow infection control guidelines. Regular hand washing is a responsibility that all staff should follow as well as wearing all appropriate/available PPE. There is many roles within a health and social care environment where infection control is always important.