The Importance of Infection Prevention
Janelle Wilkerson, RN, Infection Prevention and Employee Health Director, spoke at the October Lunch & Learn and offered an informative look at the important work happening behind the scenes to keep Salem Township Hospital safe for patients, staff, visitors, and the surrounding community. The presentation highlighted how infection prevention goes far beyond hand-washing and cleaning. It is an ongoing, hospital-wide effort that relies on education, teamwork, awareness, and attention to detail.
Safety for the Community
Janelle discussed the many ways Salem Township Hospital works to protect hospital visitors and reduce the risk of spreading illness. These efforts include posted alerts, respiratory etiquette signage, hand sanitizing stations, access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and education on infection prevention practices. Visitors are also provided guidance when navigating the hospital, and individuals who are ill are encouraged to stay home when possible to help prevent exposing others. Salem Township Hospital has additional safeguards in place to create a safer healthcare environment. These include negative-pressure rooms, nonporous surfaces, touchless technology, proper air filtration and air exchange rates, routine water quality testing, and air quality monitoring.
Protection starts at the bedside
Simple, consistent practices such as proper hand hygiene, cleaning patient care equipment, using approved disinfectants, and correctly handling linens are some of the most effective ways to prevent infections. The hospital also works to empower patients by providing education, encouraging questions, and welcoming comments and suggestions. Patient involvement is an important part of creating a culture where everyone plays a role in keeping the healthcare environment safe.
Hospital Shield
Through patient triage and isolation procedures, tracking positive laboratory cultures, antimicrobial stewardship, and proper environmental waste management, Salem Township Hospital works to identify and address potential infection risks before they spread. Preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continues to be a major priority, especially with the growing concern surrounding drug-resistant organisms and antibiotic resistance.
Role of Infection Preventionist
This role is essential in identifying, controlling, and preventing infections throughout the hospital. Responsibilities include monitoring infection trends, tracking positive cultures, conducting hospital rounds, and following up with healthcare providers to ensure concerns are addressed. The Infection Preventionist also helps develop and update hospital policies based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, this role involves educating staff and volunteers and partnering with Environmental Services and Plant Operations to maintain a safe environment through air quality monitoring, water management, and other environmental safety practices.
Compliance
Salem Township Hospital must meet the standards and requirements established by organizations such as ACHC, IDPH, CMS, and OSHA. Maintaining these standards is critical, as failure to comply can result in financial penalties, loss of reimbursement, and potentially the loss of hospital licensure. Having knowledgeable infection prevention professionals who stay current with guidelines and regulations helps ensure that safety remains a priority throughout the organization.
Janelle’s presentation shared that through teamwork, education, awareness, and continued dedication to best practices, Salem Township Hospital remains focused on creating a safer environment for patients, staff and the community.