Infection Prevention and Control.

The prevention and control of infection is a priority for our team here in Marymount University Hospital and Hospice. The safety and wellbeing of our patients, residents, visitors, volunteers and staff is of the utmost importance.

Marymount ensures that all equipment utilised is cleaned, disinfected and maintained and that all care is provided in a clean, safe environment that minimises the risk of transmitting a healthcare-associated infection.

The Role of the Infection Prevention and Control Nurse:

The Infection Prevention and Control Nurse works in tandem with all Staff to ensure that every measure is taken to reduce and prevent healthcare associated infection, often referred to as HCAI’s. Key to informing these measures are continuous audit and surveillance: this is an integral component of our Infection and Control programme.

Policies, procedures and Guidelines relating to infection prevention and control are developed and implemented, ensuring that they are in line with evidence-based practice and national and international guidelines.

The IPCN communicates with all departments and personnel within the hospital, providing advice and ongoing education on all aspects on infection prevention and control, thereby ensuring that all staff have the competencies, training and support to enable safe and effective infection prevention and control practices.

The IPCN advises on infection prevention and control but it is the responsibility of everyone – staff, volunteers, residents/ patients and visitors to ensure that infection prevention and control practices are diligently adhered to.

Important measures to consider:

We would encourage all visitors to complete regular antigen testing prior to visiting.

Please do not visit the Hospital or Hospice if you are unwell (or have been unwell in the past 48 hours), suffering from a temperature, respiratory/flu like symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and/or diarrhoea), even if you have tested negative on antigen.

The use of a Face mask is currently optional whilst visiting Patients/Residents within Marymount. Should you chose to wear a mask- these are available at reception and at varying PPE Stations around the building. Please be aware that the requirement for the use of face masks whilst visiting is subject to change, based upon HPSC guidance and local risk assessment related to circulating levels of respiratory virus within the community.

Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is the single most important action to reduce the spread of infection, and is a crucial element to the delivery of safe care; Staff and Volunteers receive regular training related to Hand Hygiene practises. Clinical hand-wash sinks are available in each patient bedroom, alcohol hand-rubs is widely available throughout the building for staff, patients/residents, volunteers and visitors to use.

We thank you for your co-operation.

If you have any further queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the Infection Prevention and Control Department:

Laura Kenny 0214869100 extension 366. Email :  lkenny@marymount.ie