Cleanlink News October 19 2009
Recognizing National Infection Control Week
The third week in October is designated as National Infection Control Week (ICW) in Canada and the U.S. In Canada, Infection Control Week originated in 1988 to highlight infection control efforts in Canadian hospitals, long-term care facilities and in the community. It was an opportunity for infection control professionals to educate staff and the community about the importance of infection prevention and to promote the important work that was being done by infection control professionals in a visible and fun way. In 1989 the federal government proclaimed Infection Control Week as an annual event.
“The Power of One – Your Role in Infection Control!” is the theme of this year’s National Infection Control Week, October 18-24, 2009. Infection Prevention and Control programs have been widely recognized to be both clinically effective and cost-effective in preventing and controlling the spread of infections in health care settings. However, ultimately the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infection is through hand hygiene.
In health care facilities, hand hygiene is to be performed by staff, patients and visitors. Each person must take individual responsibility for performing hand hygiene which is why “The Power of One” was chosen as this year’s theme. Each time one person performs hand hygiene, whether they be in the hospital environment or in the community, the risk of infection transmission is decreased.
National Infection Control Week will provide Infection Prevention and Control Professionals within facilities and the community alike the opportunity to promote “The Power of One” theme. Infection Prevention and Control Professionals will be providing multi-modal education and collaborating with other organizations in order to deliver the message that each and every person has the power to decrease infection transmission.
Click here for tips on how cleaners can plan and promote their cleaning efforts this week, learn more about educational events and activities and how to set up a display that will promote hand hygene.
