Hygiene Quality Improvement Plan, 2016 / 2017, against the Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections
- In October 2015, Temple Street achieved a 92% compliance rate and in May 2016, achieved a 93% compliance rate in the bi-annual national Hand Hygiene audits. Hand hygiene is recognised as one of the most important measures in preventing HCAIs (Healthcare Acquired Infections)
- In Q2 2016, Temple Street introduced a hospital-wide ‘Bare Below the Elbows’ initiative, aiming to further improve the effectiveness of hand hygiene. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that long sleeves be avoided, as they are found to be contaminated with pathogens, and can impede appropriate hand hygiene
- In 2015, 47% of the Temple Street staff availed of the flu vaccination and to date, in 2016, up to 65% of our staff have availed of the flu vaccine, to prevent the spread of flu to vulnerable patients and staff. Vulnerable patients rely on the immunity of those who care for them to keep them safe. Flu is responsible for between 200 and 500 deaths each year in Ireland and in a severe season it can cause up to 1000 deaths
- Temple Street’s multidisciplinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Team comprises a Consultant Microbiologist, an Antimicrobial Pharmacist, a Microbiology Specialist Registrar, an Infectious Disease Physician and Infection Prevention Control Nurse Specialist. This Team continues to support a strong programme to ensure that systems are in place to monitor antimicrobial use and resistance as well as advising all medical and nursing staff on antimicrobial use. Sustained improvement in antimicrobial prescribing – documentation of indication and adherence to local guidelines was maintained at 100% in 2015. The hospital can clearly demonstrate the reduction in overall antimicrobial consumption levels and reducing antibiotic use can lead to a reduction in resistant infections
- Since early 2015, parents of children attending Temple Street have been involved in the hospital’s hygiene audits and inspections to promote engagement, consultation and feedback