Most HMC Facilities Report Zero Incidents Of Healthcare Associated Infections

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Fazeena Saleem | The Peninsula

A robust infection control programme by the Hamad Medical Corporation has seen healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in patients significantly reduced. 

At present, a majority of HMC facilities report zero incidents of targeted healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and it aims to achieve“zero tolerance” in all ICU units across HMC facilities, said Dr. Jameela Al Ajmi, Executive Director of Corporate Infection Prevention and Control at HMC. Healthcare associated infections can cause a significant source of complications across the continuum of care such as pneumonia and infections of the urinary tract, bloodstream and other parts of the body, commonly to patients admitted to the ICUs. 

“Infection control has many challenges especially with the increasing number of hospitalised patients, a greater prevalence of invasive technologies, and a higher prevalence of immunocompromised patients,” said Dr. Al Ajmi.

“A newly-established global estimate on hygiene by WHO and Unicef reveals the risk of disease spread and infections to patients and health care providers. But proactive measures taken by HMC's Corporate Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) division are keeping infections away across all hospitals,” she added.

“The surgical, trauma and paediatric ICUs of Hamad General Hospital (HGH) and the medical, paediatric, and neonatal ICUs of Al Wakra Hospital have achieved zero incidents of central line associated bloodstream infections. The ICU in Heart Hospital has achieved zero catheter associated urinary tract infections,” she added.

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Majority patients admitted to neonatal intensive care unit are high risk category with medically fragile patients with a lower gestational age and lower birth weight. Many neonates should also be considered immunocompromised because of incompletely developed immune systems or congenital defects.

“Because of their immature immune systems, babies in NICUs may develop health care associated infections. Therefore, it is very important to embed innovative IPC strategies to deliver safe care to vulnerable neonates. As a result, the neonatal intensive care unit in Women's Wellness and Research Center (WWRC) has achieved zero incidents of ventilator associated pneumonia,” said Dr. Al Ajmi.

The aim of HMC's Corporate Infection Prevention and Control division is to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors without getting any harm by acquiring infection from healthcare facilities as they can cause complications and even death. It also raises awareness of the importance of preventing and controlling the transmission of infection among staff, patient and family members. 

“Hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in all HMC facilities has consistently increased as a result of the implementation of hand hygiene policies and protocols that aid in the development of a good hand hygiene culture throughout HMC. It is a significant accomplishment in HMC's Road to Successful Infection Prevention and Control programme,” said Dr. Al Ajmi.

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