Hot Topics in Infection Control
C. difficile has killed at least 460 in Ontario
Naomi Powell,
Joan Walters,
Hamilton Spectator July 04, 2008
At least 460 patients infected with the lethal superbug C. difficile have died in Ontario hospitals over the past 30 months.
OTMH battling deadly superbug
Angela Blackburn, Oakville Beaver, May 23, 2008
Though common bleach should kill it, the hospital is not asking its cleaning staff to breathe the fumes of bleach, said Carleton. Instead, it is using tougher chemical cleaners, like Virox and more recently, a new chemical cleaner called Rescue that is effective against C. difficile.
Call for Investigation as C.difficile Death Toll Rises
CityNews.ca Staff, May 26, 2008
Nearly 200 people across the province have lost their lives to a hospital-acquired bacterium and the rising death toll has renewed calls for mandatory reporting of the potentially deadly bug in health care facilities.
Canadian Hospitals Reusing Single-Use Tools, Survey Finds
Helen Branswell, The Canadian Press - CTV.ca, May 26, 2008
A significant number of Canadian hospitals are still reusing single-use medical devices and the vast majority of those that do sterilize or "reprocess" the devices in-house -- a practice fraught with risk, infection control experts say.
Dirty Doctors
CBC News - Market Place
Every year 250,000 Canadians get sick from an infection while staying in hospitals. Many infections could be prevented, but not just one doctor or hospital is to blame. Using hidden cameras, Erica Johnson exposes medical staff that could be doing more to help and may be putting your life at risk.
Basic Principles of Cleaning, Decontamination and Disinfection for EMS
Bug Patrol- EMSResponder.com
Without clear written policies and procedures for the care, cleaning, decontamination and disinfection of vehicles and equipment, both groups may face an increased risk, especially for bacterial infections.
Crews Clean School All Night After Confirmed Case of MRSA
Andrew Del Greco - KPVI - TV News Channel 6, April 15, 2008
Custodians at Rocky Mountain Middle School worked through the night Tuesday to disinfect school surfaces after a staff member's methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection was confirmed
Superbug Hits Ward Despite Clean-Up
SKY News, April 08, 2008
The potentially life-threatening superbug C. difficile has been found in a hospital just days after a £300,000 "deep clean" was carried out.
Great Escape illnesses now at 352 Lab confirms norovirus, origin still unknown
By Erin DeMuth Judd - PostStar.com, March 24, 2008
The number of illnesses reported as a result of an outbreak of gastrointestinal sickness at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark has risen by about 150 cases since Friday.
Beep Reminds Hospital Staff to Wash Hands
Sheryl Ubelacker – The Canadian Press, March 04, 2008
Toronto researchers develop electronic system that could improve hygiene and cut patient infections