The privacy curtains and uniforms worn by hospital staff are frequently contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria, researchers said this week.
To avoid spreading these bugs, healthcare providers should make sure to wash their hands after routine contact with curtains. Staff should also ensure that they change their uniforms daily. Adequate laundering, plastic aprons for situations in which staff may contact body fluids and strict hand hygiene has also been recommended.
Speaking today, Liam Moloney, Healthcare Solicitor in Naas said “there is a growing recognition that the hospital environment plays an important role in the transmission of infections in the healthcare setting. It is clear that uniforms and curtains are potentially important sites of contamination because of the level of contact with patients and providers. Staff often touch curtains after they have washed their hands and then proceed to touch patients.”
Tests carried out detected MRSA as well as various species of enterococci (gut bacteria). Researchers used tests to identify specific methicillin-resistant strains to see whether the same strains were circulating and contaminating curtains over and over again. The vast majority of curtains and uniforms show contamination. Mr. Moloney added “other strategies of infection control should be used, such as frequent disinfecting, using microbial resistant fabrics and hand washing, which is by far the most practical intervention.”
If you have contracted MRSA or C-Diff in a hospital in this State, you should contact Liam Moloney, Healthcare Solicitor today to find out about your right to compensation for your injury. Contact Liam Moloney at 045 898000 or simply log on to our website at www.moloneysolicitors.com for further information.
