Infection Control and Practice Cleanliness
We endeavour to keep the surgery clean at all times. If you have any conerns over cleanliness please fee free to discuss them with Jane Dawson Practice Manager or any other member of staff.
If you feel you have a condition which could be infectious please mention this to the receptionist when booking your appointment. Arrangements can then be made for you to use a side entrance and wait to be seen in separate room.
Thank You
Our Mission here at The Riverside Partnership
The Infection Prevention and Control Program supports The Riverside Partnership’s Mission and Vision to promote a culture of patient safety by reducing the risk of acquiring and transmitting health-care associated infections. The safety and health of our patients, other service providers, volunteers and visitors is very important to us. To protect them, Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures are evidence-based, using Best Practice Guidelines.
We accomplish our Mission by various methods including surveillance.
We monitor our Surgeries for infections and diseases that affect the health of our patients, staff, and visitors. The Partnership monitors hospital-acquired infections very closely. Despite our best efforts, MRSA, VRE and C difficile are still very much a problem in the health setting and the community.
To help combat this The Riverside Partnership has implemented several measures to address infection rates, including:
- Specific cleaning records for the treatment areas and the equipment used within it.
- Hand Hygiene Program with increased access to alcohol-based hand rub;
- Use of disposable equipment, washable surfaces, and gloves to control transmission;
- Renovations to patient care areas;
- Education and awareness campaigns for patients and health care providers.
We provide education for our patients, visitors and volunteers about common Infection Prevention and Control principles.
Our Practice staff is provided with a mandatory Infection Prevention and Control General Orientation session as new employees and must complete Infection Prevention and Control Core Competency Modules annually.
Collaboration
We collaborate with other programs and services within our practices to assist in the safe development of day-to-day surgery life. Some examples of collaborative initiatives include:
Involvement of construction/renovation designs and plans
Review and recommendation of disinfectants and sterilization of medical equipment and environmental cleaning protocols
Promoting the Employee Wellness Flu Shot campaign for staff
Policy and procedure development reflecting current best practices
With Infection Prevention and Control Audits we are keeping our patients safe. We review all elements of our Infection Control Program and strive for continuous improvement. We also have a strong relationship with other hospitals/facilities and healthcare agencies to ensure your safety, should your healthcare extend beyond the surgery.
Hand hygiene is the most effective way of preventing the spread of infections. You can help us to prevent infections by washing your hands often and use of the antibacterial hand gel when visiting the surgery. Health workers are aware of the importance of hand hygiene. If one of them forgets to clean his or her hands before caring for you, remind them nicely. It’s your right and your health.
Preventing and controlling acquired infections: our mission – your right!
Sept 15