Welcome to ABM's Infection Prevention and Control Service website
This section of the website is dedicated to providing information to patients, visitors, and other members of the public on issues relating to the prevention and control of infection within ABM.
The information has been divided into separate sections to make it easier for you to find the information you are looking for.
The website will include sections where you can print off information leaflets on a variety of topics. Other documents will be available for you to read or print should you wish to. We will show also links to other infection-related websites that you might find useful.
Did you know that good hand hygiene is the single most effective way to control the spread of infection? Click on the following link to view a video with Clare Peacock, Infection Control Nurse demonstrating the correct way to wash your hands: VIDEO: The correct way to wash your hands
General Introduction
ABM is serious about managing infection. Our Director of Nursing, Vicki Franklin, (left) takes the lead at Executive Board level for infection prevention and control, and hygiene.
We have several strategies on infection prevention and control. The overall aim is to ensure that minimising infection risks is a major priority for all ABM staff.
Currently, the Infection Prevention and Control Service is delivered by teams including Infection Prevention and Control Nurses and Infection Control Doctors. The Teams provide expert advice to ABM on all matters relating to infection prevention and control and are dedicated to promoting a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Nominated leads have been identified for clinical s directorate within ABM to monitor and promote good practice. Infection Control Link Practitioners have been identified for clinical areas (ward and department) also; these staff are enthusiastic about infection prevention and control and try to make sure that they are updated regarding current good practice so that they can provide support and encouragement to their work colleagues.
There are identified Hand Hygiene Trainers in many of our clinical areas, who are responsible for providing training to their colleagues. Additionally, all hospital wards undertake regular review of the hand hygiene practices of ward staff and visiting staff, to ensure good standards are maintained.
The key responsibilities for the Infection Prevention and Control Teams include:
- Information on specific infections or infectious agents, e.g. germs/bacteria;
- Advice on how to minimise the risks of infections;
- Advice on steps to take to prevent or limit the spread of bacteria;
- Advice on how decontaminate (clean and disinfect) equipment;
- Production of policies relating to infection control;
- Advice on managing outbreaks of infection;
- Education of staff on key subjects in infection prevention and control;
- Reporting on healthcare associated infections;
- Communicating with staff to raise awareness on infection prevention and control matters;
- Co-ordination of our annual healthcare associated infection action plan, in accordance with the 2004 Strategy on Healthcare Associated Infections;
- Ensuring timely reports on progress relating to infection control matters are sent to the Welsh Assembly Government;
- Teaching hand hygiene to our staff;
- Auditing practice of staff and standards in relation to infection prevention and control;
- Risk assessment relating to infection prevention and control;
- Production of information posters;
- Production of information leaflets;
- Advice on purchasing of equipment, furniture, etc.;
- Advice on building works.
What is ABM doing to reduce infection?
- All staff are involved in training courses, which are mandatory;
- Alcoholic hand rubs are used by our clinical staff;
- Regular monitoring, auditing and surveillance to ensure that infection risk is being minimised;
A quick response is made to any patient who has an infection that is at risk of spreading to others. Wherever possible, and if it is appropriate, patients may be moved to a side room to avoid cross infection.
What you can do to reduce infection?
- Maintain high levels of personal hygiene;
- Clean your hands regularly, especially before and after meals;
- Stay at home if you have any symptoms of infection, including coughs, colds, flu, sickness and diarrhoea;
- Report any concerns you may have about cleanliness or hygiene.
Report cleanliness concerns to us
If you have any concerns about cleaniness in our hospitals, please let us know. Email us on the following link: Feedback link
How to contact us:
The Infection Prevention and Control Teams can be contacted at Morriston, Princess of Wales or Singleton Hospitals as follows:
Morriston Princess of Wales
Infection Prevention and Control Team Infection Prevention and Control Team
c/o Dept of Pathology Princess of Wales Hospital
Heol Maes Eglwys Bridgend
Cwmrhydyceirw CF31 1RQ
SA6 6NL
Tel: (01792) 703690 Tel: (01656) 752601
Singleton
Infection Prevention and Control Team
c/o Dept of Pathology
Sketty
SA2 8QA
Tel: (01792) 205666 Ext. 5045
News News News:
October 2011: Help stop the spread of Norovirus
April 2010: Success for ABM's Infection Control Team
March 2010: Norovirus returns to Morriston Hospital
January 2010: Winter vomiting bug hits nine Swansea hospital wards
December 2009: Probiotics set to ward off hospital infections
October 2009: ABM C.diff rates recorded as below Welsh average