Meet our Infection Prevention and Control team
Meet (pictured left to right) Nicole Yates (A/Clinical Nurse), Sian Gannon (A/Clinical Nurse Consultant), Sarah Blooms (A/Clinical Nurse)
COVID-19 has shown the world what we’ve always known—infection prevention is essential to keep the world safe. In addition to all the usual suspects (healthcare-associated infections, resurgence in measles outbreaks, flu season, etc.), the infection prevention and control community is fighting a global pandemic for the foreseeable future.
In light of the challenges facing the world in 2020, this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (18-24 October) focuses on recognising the role infection prevention experts play in keeping us all safe and healthy.
We would like to introduce the PCH Infection Prevention and Control team who keep staff, patients, clients, families and visitors safe from hospital acquired infections.
Meet (pictured left to right) Nicole Yates (A/Clinical Nurse), Sian Gannon (A/Clinical Nurse Consultant), Sarah Blooms (A/Clinical Nurse) who have answered some questions about their work.
Tell us about your team and your role in the health service
Infection Prevention and Control is an exciting team to be a part of. No one day is the same and often situations require you to think on your feet. The team’s role within PCH is to promote safe care and prevent hospital associated infection through use of best evidence-based practice. We educate staff and patients on how to stay healthy and minimise their risk of transmissible illnesses, as well as auditing compliance to national benchmarks.
What has been the biggest challenge about this year?
This year has presented some unique learning opportunities. Pandemic planning has allowed the infection control team to be a part of strengthening the CAHS emergency response to novel viruses.
What has been the biggest contribution your team has made at CAHS this year?
Ensuring staff are equipped with the best evidence-based knowledge around COVID-19.
What do you love about your job?
Learning something new and teaching a staff member skills that will have an ongoing positive impact on patient health outcomes.
What has drawn you to infection prevention?
The idea that small intervention can have big impact.
Is there a personality trait that you have in common that you think is the useful in your work?
We all acknowledge that we can continually improve and strive for excellence.
What is a typical work day?
Currently, each day is a little different due to updates in the COVID space, but usually we complete ward rounds, attend team meetings, and undertake policy updates, reviews and education sessions.
If you could make our patients and families understand one thing about infection prevention what would it be?
It's ok to ask your nurse, doctor or treating team to wash their hands!