News

MUHC welcomes Minister Philippe Couillard's announcement

Published: 26 October 2004

The MUHC issued the following statement today in response to Health and Social Services Minister Philippe Couillard's announcement on province-wide measures to combat C. difficile:

"The Minister confirmed the importance of the practices that are in place at the MUHC, namely hand washing, isolation of infected patients, strict housekeeping protocols and monitoring of antibiotic use," said Ann Lynch, MUHC Director of Nursing and Director of Clinical Operations. She noted that preventative measures in place at the MUHC include:

  • Enhanced housekeeping activities
  • Reducing the number of patients per room on units that have experienced persistent outbreaks
  • Close monitoring of antibiotic use
  • More dedicated equipment for all patients
  • C. difficile diagnostic tests available on a daily basis
  • Isolation of patients exhibiting symptoms
  • Information pamphlets provided to all patients at admission and at discharge
  • Follow-up clinics within our infectious disease clinics at the RVH and the MGH for discharged patients
  • Ongoing in-service support by our infection control specialists on all units

These measures were also confirmed by a leading expert in C. difficile infections, Dr. Dale Gerding of Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, who was invited to visit the MUHC to assess our infection control practices last August, she noted.

Lynch said she welcomes the Minister's positive response to the recommendations of the AMMEQ committee of microbiologists, including putting in place a system of surveillance and expert support in each region. "This kind of collaboration between the Ministry, Public Health and health care institutions will be an added tool in helping to combat this infection."

She noted that the downward trend in infection rates at the MUHC reflects the Minister's statement that the number of cases is down across the province. "This downward trend is encouraging," she said, "and we know that over the coming winter season, we will need to remain vigilant to ensure continued low rates."

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