COMMUNICATIONS

Infection Control Booklet Launched

In a "first" for New Zealand, the Canterbury District Health Board has produced an infection control handbook to fit in the pockets of all front-line staff.

A "mini" version of key infection control policies, the 24-page handbook will be issued to new staff at orientation, and is designed to fit snugly in a uniform or shirt pocket.

It was officially launched today by the Canterbury District Health Board’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nigel Millar.

Today is part of Safety New Zealand Week. The launch also coincides with the National Division of Infection Control Nurses conference in Christchurch. More than 200 nurses will be coming to Christchurch for the three-day conference.

Infection control serves a dual purpose. It helps to keep patients safe from infections and harm while they are in hospital, and to protect the health and safety of staff.

The Infection Control Policy Handbook for staff was initiated at the end of 2005, partly as recognition of the need for clinical staff to have ready access to concise information.

The Infection Control Manual was being reviewed and although the content was being reduced with some policies being made accessible electronically, it was considered a "mini" version of key policies would be useful for staff.

The CDHB Policy Review decided on the content, and the Royal College of Nursing booklet "Good Practice in Infection Control – Guidance for Nursing Staff" provided some ideas for the format.

"Instead of expecting staff to read a fairly detailed and extensive manual, they will now have quick access to those core policies which we expect them to follow," says Jane Barnett, Infection Control Nurse Specialist.

"The main manual will remain available in both paper and electronic version, and will provide the additional detail that is sometimes needed by staff in clinical situations."

She says the launch of the booklet in Safety New Zealand Week will re-emphasise that infection control is fundamental to the way staff work in hospitals.

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Media Contact – Michele Hider, CDHB Communications Manager, Ph 364 4103

or 0275 314 796