Infection Control Strategies at SummitCare Randwick

At SummitCare Randwick we are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all residents, staff and visitors. Because of this, principles of infection control are intended as a framework within which SummitCare Randwick develops their comprehensive operational infection control strategies.

Due to their weakened immune system, underlying illnesses, anatomical and functional changes, our elderly residents are susceptible to infections. Urinary tract infections, skin infections, gastroenteritis, eye infections and respiratory infections are some of the most common types of infection in Residential Care.

All staff complete a Hand Washing Competency

Every stakeholder has a role to play in recognising, reporting and acting upon a possible infection. Aside from looking for obvious signs of infection, staff awareness about uncommon signs and symptoms of infection such as behavioural changes, increased confusion, drowsiness and decreased appetite contributes to the early detection of infection in the elderly.

If infection has been identified, SummitCare Randwick staff initiate:

1. Appropriate nursing interventions
2. MO or AH MO will be contacted to review the resident as soon as possible
3. The resident will be Isolated (if possible)
4. The resident, type of infection acquired and necessary precautions will be mentioned in handovers, documented in and registered on the care planning system for reporting and auditing purposes
5. If the resident’s condition deteriorates or has not improved after 4-7 days of treatment regime, the MO is contacted to perform further investigations.

In combating Infections, SummitCare Randwick have implemented numerous infection control procedures, and staff take every precaution to prevent infections.

As we come into the various seasons which impact on resident infections, the MCS and AMCS reintroduce improvement strategies in attempt to ensure every precaution is in place to prevent infections.  Whilst we acknowledge some residents with wounds, invasive devices (catheters) and weakened immune systems are at greater risk of infection, these residents are those on our radar.

Improvement strategies vary from resident to resident which include:

1. MCS & AMCS investigating issues, educating staff on the spot and collectively carry out strategies to reduce infections.
2. Watch, audit and measure how often staff are washing their hands with soap and water or sanitiser.
3. Monitor routine use of gloves and staff practices.
4. Increased use of specialised approved disinfectants for cleaning, ward tidy, bathrooms, equipment and shared areas.
5. Increased placement of hand sanitisers in common areas throughout our facility including the hallways, entry and exit points to ensure its readily accessible to staff, residents, relatives, contractors, families, students and visitors.
6. Increased signage throughout facility of appropriate IPC etiquette
7. Staff and visitors encouraged to stay home if they experience infectious symptoms.
8. Finally, if additional precautions are required, the availability of PPE for all staff, residents, relatives, contractors, families, students and visitors.

It is important to have availability of PPE

SummitCare Randwick maintains certain practices all year round in meeting our obligations in line with the Australian Aged Care Quality Accreditation Standard 4.7. This includes:

Hand Washing

All staff complete and must be deemed compliant in their Hand washing competency every year (or more frequently if there is an identified need) by our Infections Control Officer. New staff are required to complete their hand washing competency on the first day of their buddy shift. On the spot education is provided for staff when necessary to improve strategies in reducing infections. Audits are done to measure how often staff wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitisers.

Hand sanitisers and tissues are placed in the hallways, near entry and exit points for easy access to families, visitors, contractors, students and staff.

Use of PPE

Proper use of PPE is disseminated to all staff. Registered nursing staff monitor staff compliance with the correct use of PPE. Gloves, aprons, masks, shoe covers, eye shields and spill kits are readily accessible on both floors. PPE is readily available for families, visitors, contractors, students and facility staff. 1:1 education is also provided to all visitors and staff to ensure compliance.

Signage

IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) posters are displayed on notice boards in the lounge areas, nurses stations and basement area. These posters are also displayed at each wash basin throughout the facility. All Stakeholders are strongly advised not to visit the facility if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough and runny nose), gastroenteritis or other signs of infection.

Education

Online education regarding Common Infections in Elderly residents is available for all care staff through the Medi-Learn website and ACC to keep them updated and increase their awareness about infection control and evidence based practices. We also perform face to face and mandatory sessions throughout the year.

The foundation of good infection control is to assume that everyone is potentially infectious. By adhering to basic infection control procedures such as hand washing and keeping the workplace clean we ultimately aim to prevent pathogens being passed from one person to another. Collaboration between management and staff is essential for a successful outcome. The stable presence of staff with expertise in infection control helps to facilitate seamless implementation of contemporary infection control principles and practices at SummitCare Randwick.

Michelle Santos, Assistant Manager Care & Services