Overview

Our Mission

The Infection Prevention and Control Program supports Cornwall Community Hospital’s Mission and Vision to promote a culture of patient safety by reducing the risk of acquiring and transmitting health-care associated infections. The safety and health of our patients, other service providers, volunteers and visitors is very important to us. To protect them, Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures are evidence-based, using Best Practice Guidelines.

We accomplish our Mission by various methods including

Surveillance


We monitor the hospital for infections and diseases that affect the health of our patients, staff, volunteers and visitors. Cornwall Community Hospital monitors noscomial (hospital-acquired) infections very closely. Despite our best efforts, nosocomial rates for MRSA, VRE and C difficile are on the rise in hospitals across Canada, as well as in the United States and Europe.


To combat this global rise in infection rates, Cornwall Community Hospital has implemented several measures to address infection rates, including:

  • Hand Hygiene Program with increased access to alcohol-based hand rub;
  • Screening patients on admission for silent carriage of resistant organisms;
  • Use of single rooms, gowns, and gloves to control transmission;
  • Renovations to patient care areas;
  • Specific housekeeping protocols
  • Education and awareness campaigns for patients and health care providers.

Education

We provide education for our patients, visitors and volunteers about common Infection Prevention and Control principles. Our hospital staff is provided with a mandatory Infection Prevention and Control General Orientation session as new employees and must complete Infection Prevention and Control Core Competency Modules annually.

Collaboration

We collaborate with other programs and services within our hospital to assist in the safe development of day-to-day hospital life. Some examples of collaborative initiatives include:

  1. Involvement of construction/renovation designs and plans
  2. Review and recommendation of disinfectants and sterilization of medical equipment and environmental cleaning protocols
  3. Promoting the Employee Wellness Flu Shot campaign for hospital staff
  4. Policy and procedure development reflecting current best practices


The Medical Officer of Health or a representative from our local Eastern Ontario Public Health Unit sits as a member on the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Our Committee meets on a regular basis to ensure we are keeping our patients safe. We review all elements of our Infection Control Program and strive for continuous improvement. We also have a strong relationship with other hospitals/facilities and healthcare agencies to ensure your safety, should your healthcare extend beyond Cornwall Community Hospital.

Clean Your Hands !!


Hand hygiene is the most effective way of preventing the spread of infections. You can help us to prevent infections by washing your hands often and encouraging your visitors to do so when they come to visit. Health workers are aware of the importance of hand hygiene. If one of them forgets to clean his or her hands before caring for you, remind them nicely. It’s your right and your health. Please inform your family and friends that they should not visit if they have a fever and/or cough. Visitors are also asked to refrain from using washrooms in a patient room. Public washrooms are available on the units.


Preventing and controlling hospital acquired infections: our mission – your right!