Hospital acquired infections
Everyone is concerned with cleanliness and infection control in hospitals, especially as the bacteria MRSA and Clostridium difficile cause serious health problems. The effects can vary from discomfort for the patient to prolonged or permanent disability, with a small proportion of patient deaths each year caused by hospital acquired infections.
Not all hospital infections are preventable, because the elderly, the very young and those with suppressed immune systems are particularly susceptible. All hospitals do what they can to reduce risk by making sure that patients, doctors and visitors follow hygiene guidelines or by isolating infected patients.
Find out more about the common types of hospital acquired infections and the methods used to control them by browsing the list below.
- Clostridium difficile
- Decolonisation routine
- Faecal enemas
- Isolation policy
- MRSA
- MRSA screening
- Ring-fenced elective ward
- Topical suppression
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