Trust Board papers November 2012 - Barking Havering and ...

109/2012 Infection Control Annual Report
MS reported that the Infection Control Annual Report includes, at Appendix 3,
the Infection Control Annual Plan that has been reviewed by the Infection
Control Committee. The Plan shows there has been a significant rise in the
first 4 months in both MRSA and C.difficile. The Infection Control Committee
is solely focusing on these issues and incidence of MSSA. More positively,
urinary catheter infections are decreasing this year. MS felt there needs to be
a different approach with staff to ensuring that the basic principles of patient
care are implemented.
There have also been significant changes in the Infection Control Team with
the Matron retiring recently and the Infection Control Doctor due to retire
imminently. There are plans for a new Matron and Director of Infection
Prevention and Control (DIPC) to be appointed. It was also important that
aseptic touch technique is focused on.
AW questioned whether there was enough support; MS felt that generally
there was, although more Directorate representation at the Infection Control
Committee was needed. She also felt colleagues had a role in being more
challenging with issues such as hand hygiene and bare below the elbow. An
invitation to Sodexo was being extended to improve environmental control
scrutiny via the Infection Control Committee.
DM commented that in general surgery Matrons and Nurses are empowered
to challenge clinicians; this had resulted from a previous poor hand hygiene
audit. He felt that there had been a view some time ago that infection control
was a ‘nursing’ issue; this attitude is changing.
MS advised that once the Infection Control Committee had completed its
revision of the Annual Plan, it would be brought back to the Committee by the
new DIPC.
PATIENT OUTCOMES
111/2012 Surgical Site Infection Surveillance Update
It was noted that a preliminary report had been reviewed by the Infection
Control Committee relating to infections on fractured neck of femur patients. It
was agreed this would be discussed with the CD and a decision taken on
when and where this data should be presented.
112/2012 Implementing Patient Stories
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
This item to be deferred to the October meeting.
113/2012 Energise for Excellence
This report was submitted for information and was duly noted. MD was
concerned that dirty utensils in ward areas was affecting patient care. MS
confirmed this was a cultural issue that was being monitored through the
Infection Control Committee.
114/2012 Complaints Policy
GE explained that the Complaints Policy required approval. It had been
completely revised to take account of the 2009 Regulations and current best
evidence. It has received wide circulation and comment. Members were
asked to provide any comments to GE within 1 week of this meeting, subject to
which the policy was duly approved.
Action
GSa /
MS
All
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