Keep up the good hygiene work, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital
Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital 's Infection prevention and control (IPC) team are making sure that their hospital is up to standard.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a scientific approach and practical solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection to patients and health workers.
At Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital in Krugersdorp, their IPC team conducts monthly inspections to ensure patient safety and improve the quality of care.
The exercises are unannounced and done in partnership with the Waste Management Unit. The team checks the cleanliness in all areas including the bathrooms and toilets of the wards, they look for broken items such as windows, infrastructure such as peeling paint and the proper segregation of healthcare waste.
The IPC coordinator at the hospital, Merriam Matomela said, “Infection prevention and control goes beyond hygiene – it’s also about continuous training. Upon arrival in wards, we introduce ourselves and explain the purpose of the visit before conducting an assessment. We then communicate the gaps with the Operational Manager and also offer recommendations and advice on how to resolve the identified issues.”
The manager then compiles a quality improvement plan to map a way forward of solving the challenges and they are commended as and when changes are noted. The Covid-19 vaccination site and the X-Ray department were identified as the most compliant and consistent with compliance.
“Thumbs up to the team! We need more of these risk assessment walks to keep our patients and staff in a safe and healthy environment,” said Dipuo Ntshingila, acting Nursing Manager. She further encouraged the team to keep up the good work.
