HYGIENE TALKS WITH Dr Essam Saad Alghamdi, Chief Executive Officer, Aster Sanad Hospital SECTOR: INFECTION CONTROL

 

At Aster Sanad Hospital, patient safety is paramount. The hospital follows strict infection prevention measures, including standard precautions like hand hygiene, safe injections, and proper use of personal protective equipment.

 

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Infection Control
 
November 24, 2023
 
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HYGIENE TALKS WITH Dr Essam Saad Alghamdi, Chief Executive Officer, Aster Sanad Hospital SECTOR: INFECTION CONTROL
 

As we have seen over the years, hygiene is critical in every type of facility. It is the key to good health and a good life. But what needs to be underscored further is hospital hygiene. Hospitals are excellent breeding grounds for germs, pathogens, bacteria and viruses of all sorts, which makes a stringent hygiene policy mandatory. We spoke to Dr. Essam Saad Alghamdi, Chief Executive Officer, Aster Sanad Hospital to discuss more about Aster Sanad Hospital’s policies and protocols to prevent the spread of infections among patients and staff.

Can you describe the hospital's overall approach to maintaining hygiene and cleanliness within the facility?

Aster Sanad Hospital prioritizes the highest standards of hygiene for a safe environment. We adhere to strict cleaning protocols, ensuring regular disinfection of patient rooms, operating rooms, and common spaces. Hand hygiene is emphasized, with hand sanitizers and stations available throughout the hospital. We promote regular handwashing with soap and water or sanitizer. Our waste management systems follow guidelines for segregation and disposal of various waste types, including hazardous materials and sharps, ensuring compliance with regulations.

What specific policies and protocols does Sanad Hospital have in place to prevent the spread of infections among patients and staff?

At Aster Sanad Hospital, patient safety is paramount. We follow strict infection prevention measures, including standard precautions like hand hygiene, safe injections, and proper use of personal protective equipment. Our commitment to cleanliness includes regular disinfection of patient rooms, common areas, and equipment. Clear guidelines on PPE use, covering gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, ensure proper gear usage. An infection control visitor policy, with screening and outbreak restrictions, contributes to a safe environment. Our structured patient placement policy prevents infection spread by ensuring proper isolation for patients with contagious diseases.

How frequently are the hospital's patient rooms and common areas cleaned and sanitized, and what methods or products are used in the cleaning process?

At Aster Sanad Hospital, cleanliness is a top priority for a safe environment. Patient rooms are cleaned every 4 hours, clinics three times a day, and offices twice daily, promoting hygiene for patients and staff. Common areas, including waiting rooms, are cleaned twice daily to maintain cleanliness in high-traffic areas. All cleaning products meet the approval of the Saudi Ministry of Health, ensuring a healthy environment for everyone.

Could you explain the process for handling and disposing of medical waste, including sharps, biohazardous materials, and other potentially infectious materials?

Handling and disposing of medical waste, including sharps, biohazardous materials, and other potentially infectious materials, is a critical aspect of infection control at Aster Sanad. To ensure safety and prevent the spread of infections, we adhere to a specific Waste Management policy. Proper segregation at the source separates different types of waste for safe disposal. Sharps are placed in leak-proof containers labeled as "Sharps" or marked with the biohazard symbol. Biohazardous waste is labeled and packaged accordingly. Medical waste is stored securely within designated areas to prevent unauthorized access. When ready for disposal, it's transported safely using dedicated vehicles. Before final disposal, medical waste undergoes treatment processes to meet safety standards and comply with local regulations, mitigating infection risks and ensuring environmental safety.

Are there any specialized areas in the hospital, such as the operating rooms or isolation units, with enhanced hygiene standards and protocols? If so, please describe them.

For every area in the hospital, including specialized areas such as operating rooms and isolation units, specific policies and procedures are in place. Each of these policies includes hygiene standards tailored to the unique requirements of the area. The policies encompass comprehensive guidelines for cleanliness, infection control, and the use of personal protective equipment. These measures are designed to uphold the highest standards of hygiene throughout the hospital, ensuring a safe and sanitized environment for both patients and healthcare staff.

How is hand hygiene promoted and enforced among hospital staff, and what measures are in place to ensure compliance?

To ensure top-tier hand hygiene in our hospital, we employ a comprehensive approach. Staff education is prioritized, with regular training sessions emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in infection prevention. Monthly reports break down hand hygiene compliance by unit and profession, aiding in targeted improvement efforts. Our Improvement Program fosters a culture valuing hand hygiene, engaging staff in ongoing initiatives that stress collective responsibility for a hygienic environment. Regular audits continuously monitor compliance rates, providing crucial data for ongoing improvement.

What training and education programs are provided to hospital staff regarding infection control and hygiene practices?

Our hospital prioritizes staff education on infection control and hygiene through various programs. New staff undergoes a comprehensive orientation covering infection prevention. An annual education program is also conducted to ensure that all staff stay current on guidelines and best practices. Continuous education is provided during environmental rounds, ensuring ongoing reinforcement of infection control measures. These programs empower staff to actively contribute to a safe and hygienic healthcare environment.

Can you describe the hospital's approach to sterilizing and disinfecting medical equipment and instruments? How often are these processes performed?

Our sterilization and disinfection processes are performed based on a careful assessment of the risk of contamination and the nature of the medical items involved. The frequency of these processes is determined by factors such as the type of instrument, its intended use, and the potential for contamination. High-risk and critical instruments may undergo more frequent and rigorous sterilization, while others may follow a regular disinfection schedule. This individualized approach allows us to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control, ensuring that each piece of medical equipment and instrument receives the appropriate level of sterilization.

In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, what preparedness and response measures are in place to protect both patients and staff?

In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, our hospital follows a comprehensive preparedness and response plan outlined in our Outbreak Guideline. This includes defining the outbreak, notifying local health authorities, and adhering to their guidelines. Key measures involve implementing infection prevention and control measures, including isolating affected patients, ensuring proper PPE use, and emphasizing strict hand hygiene. Active surveillance, effective communication, and collaboration with public health authorities are prioritized.

Additional actions encompass enhanced environmental cleaning, education initiatives on respiratory hygiene, and potential visitor access restrictions with screening protocols. Staff education intensifies, providing comprehensive training on infection prevention and control measures.

How does Sanad Hospital monitor and assess its hygiene and infection control practices? Are there any ongoing quality improvement initiatives in this area?

Aster Sanad Hospital actively monitors hygiene and infection control through the GDIPC-provided Hand Hygiene Program. This program involves ongoing training and assessment for healthcare workers, utilizing five key indications to gauge compliance with hand hygiene protocols. These indications cover scenarios like before patient contact, after potential exposure to body fluids, and after handling patient surroundings. This commitment to ongoing assessments reflects the hospital's dedication to quality improvement in hygiene and infection control.

Can you provide an overview of the hospital's visitor and patient interaction policies to minimize the risk of cross-contamination?

We've implemented an Infection Control Visitor Policy prioritizing safety and minimizing cross-contamination risks. The policy emphasizes awareness and compliance with infection control practices, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and barrier precautions.

All visitors must practice proper hand hygiene using strategically placed handwashing stations. Compliance with appropriate PPE use, such as masks and gloves, adds an extra layer of protection against disease transmission. The policy highlights maintaining a safe distance and using physical barriers when needed, following instructions from medical staff.

What role do technology and innovation play in enhancing hospital hygiene practices at your Hospital?

Technology and innovation play a crucial role in enhancing hospital hygiene practices at our facility. Collaborating with the housekeeping department, we utilize advanced machines that automate and streamline cleaning and sanitization processes in busy areas. This integration not only ensures efficient hygiene practices but also saves time, contributing to a safe and sanitized healthcare environment for patients and staff.

Can you share any recent success stories or improvements in hospital hygiene that your hospital has achieved?
In alignment with our commitment to patient safety, we implemented an improvement project focused on enhancing Hand Hygiene Compliance at our hospital. Through the structured FOCUS PDSA approach, the IPC team, under the leadership of the Head of IPC, has implemented targeted interventions to improve hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers. The success of this project is measured through increased Hand Hygiene Compliance rates, contributing to a safer and more hygienic healthcare environment. Leadership's dedication to putting patient safety first has been a driving force behind the successful implementation of this improvement initiative.

How is the hospital prepared for unexpected emergencies or crises that may impact its ability to maintain proper hygiene and infection control?

Our hospital is well-prepared for unexpected emergencies or crises that may impact on our ability to maintain proper hygiene and infection control. We have established policies and procedures specifically designed to address various emergency scenarios. These policies include Outbreak Management & Investigations, Isolation Precautions, and Standard Precaution. These policies and procedures are part of our comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness. Regular training and drills are conducted to ensure that staff members are familiar with these protocols and can respond effectively to unexpected crises.

What steps have been taken to ensure the health and safety of hospital staff, including personal protective equipment (PPE) availability and training?

To ensure the health and safety of hospital staff, including the availability and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the hospital conducts an annual orientation for all staff, including new joiners. This comprehensive training covers the importance of infection prevention, the proper use of PPE, and other relevant safety measures. This ongoing initiative ensures that all staff members are well-informed about infection control protocols, including the use of PPE, and are equipped with the knowledge needed to prioritize their health and safety. Regular training sessions contribute to a culture of awareness and compliance among hospital staff.

Are there any specific partnerships or collaborations with external organizations or agencies that contribute to the Hospital's commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and infection control?

Yes, the Aster Sanad hospital has established collaborations to support its commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene and infection control. This collaboration involves an Infection Control Audit supported by the Ministry of Health. This partnership likely includes regular audits, assessments, and guidance from external experts to ensure that the hospital's infection control practices align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

In your opinion, what sets your Hospital apart in terms of its dedication to hospital hygiene and infection control compared to other healthcare facilities in the region? 

Our hospital distinguishes itself through unwavering leadership support for hospital hygiene and infection control. The commitment from leadership establishes a culture where infection control is a top priority, likely leading to robust policies, regular training, and resource allocation to maintain high hygiene standards. This support not only sets the tone for best practices but also instills a sense of responsibility among staff, fostering an environment where patient safety and infection prevention are paramount.