Good Communications Vital To Preventing Infections, Says NHS Confederation

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 24 Sep 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Commenting on the publication of today's CQC report on the importance of improving communications between care homes and hospitals to prevent infection, Jo Webber, deputy director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said:

"Effectively sharing and coordinating the information of patients moving through the system is vital to ensure the spread of infection is kept to a minimum while providing a smooth transition of care.

"With care pathways becoming increasingly complex, organisations need to improve upon the current ways of sharing information keeping frontline staff informed of a patient's situation upon discharge.

"Hospitals and care homes have seen significant reductions in the number of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) in the past year. Effective leadership which gives staff clear guidance about sharing discharge information is key making sure that this remains the case, especially when patients are being transferred from one part of the system to the other."

Source
NHS Confederation

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