Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Welcomes Public Reporting of Patient Safety

MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release September 26, 2008      September 26th, 2008 marks the first time all hospitals in Ontario have publicly reported on the number of C. difficile cases in their facilities. During the reporting period released today, one HPHA Site reported 1 C. difficile case.   C. difficile is the first of 8 patient safety indicators that hospitals and the Government of Ontario will be publishing over the coming months. It is one of many types of bacteria that can be found in feces and has been a known cause of health-care associated diarrhea for about 30 years. Although people may associate it with healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care homes or laboratories, it is widely distributed in the environment and can be found in the human intestine, occurring naturally in 3-5% of adults without causing symptoms.   “The real benefit of public reporting is that it ensures we collect and report information in a consistent manner in all hospitals in Ontario,” stated HPHA CEO Andrew Williams. “We conduct ongoing surveillance in all 4 Alliance Sites and track C. difficile across the organization,” said Williams.   The single most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like C. difficile is good hand-washing by everyone – healthcare providers, volunteers, patients and visitors. In an effort to reinforce this, the province has launched a “Just Clean Your Hands Campaign,” an initiative the HPHA is currently implementing.   The HPHA’s Infection Control policy for C. difficile is based on the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) best practice guidelines.   “Even 1 hospital-acquired infection is too many,” said Williams. “Through increased awareness and a commitment by all to work together, reducing the number of hospital acquired infections, such as C. difficile, is truly in our hands,” he concluded.   -30-   For further information and reports, click here or contact: Janice McIntyre RN Infection Prevention & Control Professional Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance 519-272-8210 ext: 2728