'We're pretty much broke' Nov 7, 2009
" The only way to correct this is to resign with your dignity intact. Your service is commendable, but everything comes to an end. The medical chief of staff is in a particularly bad spot, he should also resign this position to a neutral party for the good of the hospital and the medical staff. Mr Cain, you were not a board member when Mr Bybee was administrator. Morale and finances were at their worse and nothing like now. Mr Fricke, this payback to Medicare should have been anticipated based... (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
H1N1 outbreak notification policies vary by workplace Nov 6, 2009
Having a co-worker who has been infected with H1N1 doesnt necessarily mean that everyone in the workplace will be exposed, especially if that person practices good personal hygeine, said Kathy Morrisey, director of infection control at Washington County Hospital. People are just as likely to risk exposure to H1N1 while shopping at the mall or grocery store, Morrisey said. (The Herald-Mail Online)
Antibiotic Resistance Still a Major Public Health Threat Nov 3, 2009
Studies show it's worsening while there are few new drugs in pipeline. Friday, October 30, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Digital 'Plaster' For Monitoring Vital Signs Undergoes First Clinical Trials Nov 3, 2009
The disposable plaster has a working life of several days, after which it can be replaced, ensuring that infection control can be maintained. Professor Chris Toumazou FRS led the team that developed the plaster and he is the CEO and co-founder of Toumaz Technology Ltd and the Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London. (Science Daily)
Lisa Clinton Nov 3, 2009
In addition to being director of occupation health, Clinton also directs safety, emergency preparedness, transportation, support groups, community CPR, EMS and manages the following departments: health promotions, para transit, infection control and volunteer services. She is a certified healthcare safety professional, is chairperson of the Bureau/Putnam County Local emergency preparedness committee and is an Illinois Region 2 EMS advisory committee member. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Flu's grip eases locally Oct 31, 2009
Celeste Richards, infection control specialist with Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, said the facility has had a few hospitalizations of people with the flu, with one person eventually sent to an intensive care unit elsewhere. That patient is recovering. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
UMC Adopting New Visitor Rules Due to H1N1 Oct 30, 2009
"We want family members to visit their loved ones in the hospital and we believe it helps them recover sooner, but at the same time we don't want to risk the health and safety of those family members and so at this time we have decided to think very carefully about what we are doing," said Tracy Puckett, UMC director of Infection Control. Infection control specialists believe this is a necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the potentially deadly H1N1 virus to hospital patients. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Erie County sets flu record Oct 29, 2009
"Nationwide, there really isn't any seasonal flu out there at all," said Howard Nadworny, M.D., Saint Vincent Health Center's director of infection control. "It's all H1N1." This flu strain is affecting children and young adults. (Erie Times-News, PA)
More swine flu shots arrive in Wyoming Oct 29, 2009
Hospital infection control specialist Baerbel Merrill could not estimate how many people had been hospitalized from the flu, but said the hospital has seen as many as eight patients per week. Earlier in the fall, the hospital restricted patient visitation due to flu concerns, prohibiting minors from visiting most units and curtailing access to the obstetrics ward. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
DENTSPLY International Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2009 Sales and Earnings Oct 29, 2009
The Company believes that it is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of dental prosthetics, precious metal dental alloys, dental ceramics, endodontic instruments and materials, prophylaxis paste, dental sealants, ultrasonic scalers, and crown and bridge materials; the leading United States manufacturer and distributor of dental handpieces, dental x-ray film holders, film mounts and bone substitute/grafting materials; and a leading worldwide manufacturer or distributor of dental... (Primezone Releases)
H1N1: Virus spreading along (243) Oct 29, 2009
Barbara Carmichael, the hospital's infection control nurse, said many of the patients are complaining of fever, cough and a sore throat. "As a whole, it's really not a harsh form of the flu," Carmichael said. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
Even kids are counted on in H1N1 prevention Oct 29, 2009
"I don't think it can be solely their responsibility, but partnering with them and their families on their health can only be a good thing," said Dr. Alexis Elward, medical director of infection control for St. Louis Children's Hospital, which has put in place the strictest disease prevention measures in staffers' memory. At the hospital on Monday, several patients in the playroom and the adults with them wore protective paper masks while they painted wooden toys or hovered over a... (MSNBC -- Health)
combating vicious vectors of disease Oct 28, 2009
Here are 10 ways to prevent infection in health-care settings a list gleaned from conversations with doctors, nurses, administrators, the nonprofit Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths, and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology ... HAND HYGIENE David Hooper, the chief of infection control at Massachusetts General Hospital, says the key to preventing infection is simple: Listen to your mother. (Harper's Magazine)
Unity HealthCare restricts visitors Oct 28, 2009
With that, we must protect our patients from unnecessary exposure to H1N1 flu, said Lisa Brase, infection control coordinator at Unity. Public health officials across Iowa are not confirming the number of flu cases reported across the state. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
H1N1: 'pushing hospitals to their limit' Oct 27, 2009
"What we see first in (children) we see two to three weeks later in adults," says Trish Perl, the hospital's director of infection control. The scenes at Johns Hopkins are being repeated at hospitals in Denver and , and San Diego, as waves of flu patients arrive at their doors, doubling their emergency room volume. (USA Today)
Hospitals take H1N1 precautions Oct 27, 2009
Ramey Lovelady, infection control coordinator for St. Margaret;s Hospital in Spring Valley, said St. Margaret;s has not had any confirmed cases of H1N1 flu but has seen several likely cases. Again, people are not tested for H1N1 unless they are hospitalized and a physician orders the test, as recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Lovelady said. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Obama declares swine flu emergency Oct 26, 2009
That could be a major help to hospitals that are trying to move patients quickly in and out of health clinics, said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, director of infection control at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Swine flu has killed more than 1,000 people in the United States since April, according to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and infectious disease experts believe it has infected millions around the globe. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Two cases of H1N1 confirmed in Richland Oct 24, 2009
Eleven cases of Influenza A have been confirmed in the month of October alone, said Nate Dahle, infection control and performance improvement coordinator. In September, five cases of the virus were reported. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Release Flu Masks, Schwarzenegger Says Oct 23, 2009
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration will issue guidance to health care facilities for infection control measures, including effective use of N-95 respirators to comply with certain state regulations and emphasizing ways to conserve the supply. Copyright 2009 by. (KCRA 3, CA)
Important new novel 2009 H1N1 flu advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation Oct 23, 2009
Writing in the article, Lara A. Danziger-Isakov MD MPH, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, states, "Interaction with organ procurement organizations for organ selection must take into account emerging data on the use of organs from patients infected and treated for the novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus. Improved diagnostic testing with shorter turnaround times is needed in donor evaluation. Individual patient education, prevention measures and treatment strategies will also require attention to... (EurekAlert!)
Taking precautions Oct 23, 2009
James Moe of Mercy's Infection Control said visitation on the OB floor is restricted to one significant other person. Mercy marketing and communications manager Leslie Sullivan said in most cases, the father of the baby would be the designated visitor. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Young Innovations profit rises Oct 23, 2009
The consumable product line, which include preventive, infection control, endodontic, micro-applicator and home-care products, posted healthy gains for the quarter, the company said. Young said its diagnostic product line continues to be affected by the weak economy and tight credit markets. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Health dept. plans H1N1 vaccine clinics Oct. 23, 24; School-aged children can get shots at school Oct 22, 2009
We are very grateful for the Hancock County Health Department's generosity, said Memorial Hospital infection control director, Vickie Roberts. By receiving these vaccinations, our most vulnerable employees will be protected from the flu. (Carthage (Hancock County) Journal Pilot, IL)
Beverly health officials on H1N1 flu shot: Just do it Oct 22, 2009
At a forum presented at the Senior Center last week by the Beverly Community Council, Beverly Hospital Infection Control Coordinator, Dorothy Egan, along with the city s public health nurse, Pat Zingariello, and the director of public health, William Burke, made the case that getting the flu shot this year could, for some people, mean the difference between weathering the illness just fine and ending up in the hospital on a ventilator. Egan, who introduced herself by saying, I m a bug lady,... (Beverly Citizen, MA)
Hospital Workers May Trigger Dangerous Outbreaks Oct 21, 2009
Rubin said that hospitalized patients shouldn't be shy about asking the health-care workers who come in contact with them to follow infection control guidelines. Some hospitals have posted signs in patient rooms asking "Did your health-care worker wash his hands?" to make patients more aware of the importance of hand washing, he said. (MEDLINEplus)
Combating the H1N1 virus Oct 21, 2009
FMCH team members are following the CDC's guidelines, as well as its own infection control procedures to help protect its patients, employees and hospital visitors. In an effort to control the spread of flu viruses including seasonal flu and H1N1, FMCH has implemented some precautionary measures and asks that all guests to the hospital and the FMPic assist them by respecting these changes. (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
LaLiberte school back in stride after swine flu outbreak Oct 21, 2009
The sick children have come from the hospital s catch area, including Taunton, Dighton, Rehoboth, Raynham and Middleboro, said Connie Schmidt, infection control nurse at Morton Hospital. The cases have more than doubled each week over the past two weeks. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Better Blood Screening Process Needed To Prevent Babesiosis Transmission Oct 21, 2009
Infectious diseases specialist Leonard Mermel, DO, is the medical director of infection control for Rhode Island Hospital and corresponding author of the paper. He and his colleagues, Shadaba Asad, MD, a hospitalist at The Miriam Hospital (sister hospital to Rhode Island and also a Lifespan partner), and Joseph Sweeney, MD, director of transfusion services at Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals, observed an increase in the number of TTB cases, and initiated a retrospective study to gauge the... (Science Daily)
Major swine flu outbreak at US Air Force Academy, unique opportunity to study virus behavior Oct 20, 2009
Writing in the article, Dr. Witkop and co-authors state, "The USAFA outbreak provided a unique opportunity to gain valuable information about the natural behavior of the nH1N1 virus....Novel H1N1 is now endemic in all 50 U.S. states. University- and college-based outbreaks of nH1N1 have occurred and more can be expected this fall as students gather from diverse geographic areas, reside in dorm settings and attend mass gatherings such as football games, pep rallies and student assemblies. The... (EurekAlert!)
H1N1 Impact Shows At Omaha Children's Museum Oct 20, 2009
The museum just won recognition for its cleaning efforts by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control. Staff members use a hospital-grade disinfectant. (7 KETV Omaha)
Pooling health care’s best ideas Oct 20, 2009
In the 17 years it took to adopt best practices for infection control now used in hospitals worldwide, for example, countless people needlessly suffered during a course of nearly two decades. Health professionals from Bangkok to Baltimore follow thousands of standard protocols in daily pursuit of improving the delivery of health care services and patient care. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Obama praises Senate committee's health care vote Oct 18, 2009
Infection control was a big deal in the hospitals and infection rates were low ... In the rush to push people out the door, infection control went out the window. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Norwood Hospital: Stay home with flu symptoms Oct 18, 2009
Wanda Carey, RN, Norwood Hospital s manager of infection control, said, If you get sick, stay away from others and stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone and you haven t taken medicine to reduce the fever. We re concerned for the health of individuals and the entire community and ask our community members that may have flu symptoms to refrain from visiting patients here, said Margaret Hanson, Norwood Hospital president. (Medfield Press, MA)
WakeMed exec honored for work in reducing infections Oct 17, 2009
Deborah Friberg, Health & Hospitals executive vice president, has been named the first recipient of the Healthcare Administrator Award given by the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. The award recognizes health-care executives who display significant support for infection prevention and control within their facility. (Triangle Business Journal)
KAH temporarily changes visiting policy Oct 17, 2009
"Our goal as health care providers is to use every available precaution to protect our patients and visitors from exposure to infections," said Melanie Kelly, infection control coordinator. Since spring, facemasks and hand sanitizer have been available for use at all entrances of KAH and inside the Emergency Department. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Alcohol rub to help combat hospital bugs Oct 17, 2009
The University of Geneva's head of infection control, Didier Pittet, said yesterday the rub's introduction at one Swiss hospital had reduced the number of patients contracting "superbugs" by more than 50 per cent in the past 10 years. Professor Pittet, who is visiting Melbourne, said most hospitals still advised staff to wash their hands with soap and water before attending to patients, but time constraints made it hard for them to make frequent trips to a basin. (Yahoo News -- Antibiotics)
Researchers Identify Workings Of L-form Bacteria Oct 16, 2009
"These findings establish the framework for future research on how the identified genes and pathways interact leading to L-forms. They also have important implications for understanding the emergence of antibiotic resistance and bacterial persistence and for developing new drugs and vaccines targeting such persistent L-form bacteria for improved infection control.". According to Zhang, L-form bacteria are difficult to study because their biology and the circumstances favoring the transition of... (Science Daily)
Fighting Flu: Stricter Hand Hygiene In Schools Only A Short-term Measure Oct 16, 2009
29, 2007) An open-access commentary in the December 2007 issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology examines a recently launched a global initiative by the World Health Organization to combat. . (Science Daily)
Feasibility of infection control at school Oct 16, 2009
Teachers' motivation to teach hygiene and enforce hygienic behaviour was primarily educational rather than immediate infection control ... In the absence of evidence on effectiveness, the scope for enhanced hygiene interventions in schools in high income countries aiming at infection control appears to be limited in the absence of a severe public health threat. (BioMed Central)
Second Hospital Limits Visitations Only To Those Over 18 Oct 16, 2009
If you have the flu, the best thing that you can do is to stay home, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest, said Melody Smith, RN and SJCH infection control nurse. You should only come to the hospital if your symptoms are severe or dont improve after several days. (KERO 23, CA)
SHEA responds to CDC on H1N1 Oct 15, 2009
As acknowledged by the CDC guidance, "It is important to remember that protecting against the spread of H1N1, or any type of flu, requires a multi-level approach, and the most effective measure for protection is vaccination," said Rupp, adding that "unfortunately this debate on respirators versus masks has distracted hospitals and clinics from investing in efforts that we know will pay off such as rigorous and consistent application of basic infection control and personal hygiene practices... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
H1N1 emergency declared in Kittitas County Oct 15, 2009
Rich Elliott, deputy fire chief with Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, gets an H1N1 nasal vaccine from infection control nurse Anna Canterbury. Healthcare providers are receiving the first dosages this week with more on the way. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Hand-washing detectors could help save lives Oct 14, 2009
Hand-washing is undoubtedly the first line of defense in curbing the transmission of infectious diseases in hospitals, but figuring out exactly why health care workers fail to wash up is "the $64 million question," said Anne Marie Pettis, Director of Infection Prevention for the University of Rochester Medical Center and spokesperson for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control. "The most frequent reason [health care workers] give for not washing their hands is not having... (MSNBC -- Health)
Harborcreek office bans magazines, books amid flu concern Oct 13, 2009
"There are so many objects that people touch in a waiting room, I'm not sure getting rid of magazines would be effective," said Howard Nadworny, M.D., Saint Vincent Health Center's director of infection control. "What about all the doorknobs, pens and countertops?" A more effective way at preventing the spread of flu is to hand out breathing masks to patients with respiratory illnesses, Nadworny said. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Baltimore hospitals ready for mini-disaster if swine flu spreads Oct 10, 2009
Anne Arundel Medical Center is taking a lesson from hospitals in California and Texas that have had to look at alternate care sites to treat patients, said Anne VanWaes, an infection control nurse. The hospital has made arrangements with a hotel that could house employees and provide child care should staff need to work around the clock. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
In Some Cities, Spring Swine Flu May Be Easing Fall Outbreak Oct 9, 2009
In addition, about half the children seen in the emergency room at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock have flu-like symptoms, which is almost double the usual number for this time of year Craig H. Gilliam, the hospital's director of infection control, told the Times. More information. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Flu prompts Regional Hospital system to enact visitor limitations Oct 9, 2009
"We understand when a friend or family member is hospitalized, or in a senior care facility, you want to visit them to help cheer them up, but a sick visitor can be doing more harm than good," said James Keegan, chief medical officer of Regional Health and chief executive of Regional Health Physicians, in conjunction with Regional Health Infection Control professionals. At this time of year, it is very important we remind those in our communities to refrain from visiting patients and residents... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Injury And Hazards In Home Health Care Nursing Are A Growing Concern Oct 9, 2009
8, 2009) Patients continue to enter home healthcare ''sicker and quicker," often with complex health problems that may require extensive nursing care. This increases the risk of needlestick injuries in home healthcare nurses. While very few studies have focused on the risks of home healthcare, it is the fastest growing healthcare sector in the U.S. In a recent study, led by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the rate of needlestick-type injuries was 7.6 per 100... (Science Daily)
H1N1 vaccine arrives at Regional Oct 9, 2009
Beth Boersma, infection control coordinator at Rapid City Regional, said the hospital has an extremely high immunization rate, with 91 percent of employees voluntarily getting the seasonal flu vaccine last year. Boersma said it s impossible to predict if H1N1 immunization rates will be as high, but on Thursday she made the mist available throughout the day. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
NYT: Areas hit by swine flu in spring see little now Oct 9, 2009
Since August, about half the children seen in the emergency room at Arkansas Childrens Hospital in Little Rock have complained of flu, about double the usual number for this time of year, said Craig H. Gilliam, the hospitals director of infection control. Mr. Gilliam said the hospital had a record number of emergency room visits on Sept. 15, which he attributed to the flu. (MSNBC -- Health)
Wildlife As A Source For Livestock Infections Oct 8, 2009
"Identical genotypes were obtained from Map isolated from different host species co-habiting on the same property, strongly suggesting that interspecies transmission occurs", the authors say, adding, "Map infects a variety of wildlife and host species that potentially could be reservoirs for infection of domestic livestock and have serious implications for infection control". Related to the bacteria causing tuberculosis in humans and in cows, Map causes severe diarrhea in ruminants, and has been... (Science Daily)
Nasal spray version of H1N1 vaccine on its way Oct 8, 2009
Monica McDonald, infection control nurse at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, demonstrates an N95 air particulate respirator mask, which is among supplies at the hospital in anticipation of the second wave of H1N1 flu this fall. (The Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY). (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Prepping for an active flu season Oct 7, 2009
Locally, this prediction is showing itself to be true, according to Dr. Lisa Esolen, infection control director at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. We never see Influenza A (regular flu) this early in the year, said Esolen. (Milton Standard Journal, PA)
CRMC sees first confirmed H1N1 case Oct 7, 2009
Measures are now in place to deliver effective treatment, while exposing as few visitors, patients, and staff as possible through isolation and infection control procedures. Sound preventive actions are key to avoiding the flu, whether it is the common flu or H1N1. (Cameron Observer, MO)
FirstHealth Implements Visitation Restrictions Oct 6, 2009
"We appreciate the community's cooperation as we implement visitor restrictions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus," says Jayne Lee, director of infection control and patient safety at Moore Regional. "We apologize for the inconvenience that the visitor limitations may cause to family members and friends, but we feel this measure is a necessary precaution to protect patients.". (The Pilot Newspaper)
Performance statistics return focus to basics of care Oct 4, 2009
To get there, the hospital assembled a team of nurses, doctors, pharmacists, respiratory therapists and specialists in information technology, radiology and infection control. The team developed a system under which a red bar would fire in the emergency room if a probable pneumonia patient came in. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Georgia hospitals rated ‘weak’ Oct 4, 2009
Georgia hospitals perform below the national average on measures ranging from infection control to the treatment of heart and respiratory problems ... A patient preparing for surgery might want to review how well a hospital complies with infection control processes. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Kruskal: Tips for avoiding H1N1 and seasonal viruses Oct 3, 2009
Dr. Benjamin Kruskal is a pediatrician and director of infection control at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a multi-specialty medical group offering primary and specialty care. Loading commenting interface. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
Hospital seeing flu cases Oct 2, 2009
Melody Albreski, MCMC's infection control coordinator, said the Raton hospital and other medical providers throughout the state have been told by the DOH to assume that any type-A flu - the common type seen in the fall, including all the cases that have come through MCMC recently - is H1N1 because that unique strain has become so prevalent this year. Only samples from hospital-admitted patients are being sent to the DOH for testing. (Raton Range, AL)
Flu vaccine arrives, scramble begins Oct 2, 2009
Only about 40% are vaccinated each year for seasonal flu, according to the CDC, despite recommendations by the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee that those rates be increased to 60% by 2010 to protect patients and help keep health care workers functioning during flu outbreaks. This summer, New York passed a law requiring all health workers to be immunized against seasonal flu and H1N1, a requirement some workers have opposed. (USA Today)
Flu forces changes at hospital Sep 30, 2009
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person by coughing and/or sneezing, said Susan Bullock, RN, infection control nurse. Sometimes you may catch the flu by touching something that has been infected with the virus and then you touch your nose or mouth. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Erie region's largest flu-shot provider needs more vaccine Sep 30, 2009
"We gave out 2,100 doses last year and expect to give out double that amount Thursday." If you can't attend Thursday's clinic, there will be other opportunities, said Howard Nadworny, M.D., Saint Vincent's director of infection control. "We don't usually see seasonal flu before January or February, so there is plenty of time to get vaccinated," Nadworny said. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Short At UNMC, Plentiful Elsewhere Sep 30, 2009
Dr. Mark Rupp, an expert in infection control at UNMC, said the shortage at medical center is not necessarily bad news. Dr. Mark Rupp/UNMC. (7 KETV Omaha)
DENTSPLY International Inc. Announces Cash Dividend Sep 30, 2009
The Company believes that it is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of dental prosthetics, precious metal dental alloys, dental ceramics, endodontic instruments and materials, prophylaxis paste, dental sealants, ultrasonic scalers, and crown and bridge materials; the leading United States manufacturer and distributor of dental handpieces, dental x-ray film holders, film mounts and bone substitute/grafting materials; and a leading worldwide manufacturer or distributor of dental... (Primezone Releases)
C. diff rise due to 'gene switch' Sep 30, 2009
"All strains of C. difficile require intervention and control - the intervention involved when dealing with the 027 strain is no different than how any other strain is treated. "All C. difficile requires treatment and vigilant infection control procedures in order to reduce rates of infection. " Bookmark with: Print Sponsor SEE ALSO 21 Nov 08 | Health 23 Oct 08 | Health 28 Aug 08 | Health 17 Jul 08 | Health 28 Feb 08 | Health 24 Apr 08 | Health RELATED INTERNET LINKS The BBC is not responsible... (BBC News -- Health)
