Cleanlink News February 11 2011
In recognition of the trend toward more innovative approaches to green cleaning, the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is starting a pilot program and field study to evaluate new technologies and processes some experts predict will change the nature of green cleaning. Leaders in the educational sector and leading school districts are being offered an opportunity to participate in the next phase of green cleaning by joining in the field testing of key technologies utilizing renewable, reduced-chemical, or chemical-free cleaning and sanitizing processes. The program is being offered selectively to facilities that IEHA has identified as industry leaders, and involves steps including:
• Development of a confidential report that the educational facility can use to drive progressive decision making;
• Opportunity to participate as a member of a “Renewable Cleaning Consortium” under the auspices of the upcoming Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI).
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Clostridium difficile is a rising health threat
More than a third of cases in the ongoing outbreak at St. Joseph’s in Hamilton – where 13 infected patients have died – came from outside that hospital.
Incoming patients infected with C. diff are a growing problem across North America, complicating efforts to stem the spread of spores in ambulances, emergency rooms and wards. A study by Duke University in North Carolina showed the rate of C. diff in U.S. community hospitals is outstripping MRSA, methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the virulent staph infection that once was the most prevalent threat.
How Hospitals are fighting back
In the years since hospital – acquired C. diff came to widespread public attention, largely due to Ontario’s biggest outbreak at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington, health professionals have learned many new techniques and are also stressing more vigorous traditional infection control, such as hand washing.
Recent studies, for example, have confirmed what hospitals have known, that private rooms and scrupulous isolation are keys to stopping C. diff’s spread. Housekeeping improvements have been made at many hospitals, including wider use of bleach, which is the most effective barrier against C. diff spores.
As well, nurses and doctors have been cautioned that alcohol-based gels are not effective against C. diff spores, which live on hard surfaces such as furniture, as well as on clothing and skin, and must be scrubbed from hands with soap.
Antibiotic stewardship to reduce inappropriate use of certain drugs has also become an accepted imperative. At least one class of drugs, known as fluoroquinolones, is a confirmed trigger for C. diff.
Compiled by Joan Walters
The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 27, 2011
Incoming patients infected with C. diff are a growing problem across North America, complicating efforts to stem the spread of spores in ambulances, emergency rooms and wards. A study by Duke University in North Carolina showed the rate of C. diff in U.S. community hospitals is outstripping MRSA, methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the virulent staph infection that once was the most prevalent threat.
How Hospitals are fighting back
In the years since hospital – acquired C. diff came to widespread public attention, largely due to Ontario’s biggest outbreak at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington, health professionals have learned many new techniques and are also stressing more vigorous traditional infection control, such as hand washing.
Recent studies, for example, have confirmed what hospitals have known, that private rooms and scrupulous isolation are keys to stopping C. diff’s spread. Housekeeping improvements have been made at many hospitals, including wider use of bleach, which is the most effective barrier against C. diff spores.
As well, nurses and doctors have been cautioned that alcohol-based gels are not effective against C. diff spores, which live on hard surfaces such as furniture, as well as on clothing and skin, and must be scrubbed from hands with soap.
Antibiotic stewardship to reduce inappropriate use of certain drugs has also become an accepted imperative. At least one class of drugs, known as fluoroquinolones, is a confirmed trigger for C. diff.
Compiled by Joan Walters
The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 27, 2011
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