The Role of the Infection Control Team:

Barringtons Hospital Infection Control Team is responsible for the ongoing development of the Infection control plan at the hospital. The role of the Infection Control Team is to co-ordinate policies, procedures and guidelines that are in line with internationally accepted standards and best practice.

The team monitors infection rates and works with staff in all departments providing both education and training around infection control. The team are available to advise staff on the management of patients with known or suspected communicable infections and any other infection control issues.

As a Hospital we are committed to ensuring our post operative infection rate is reduced to a minimum and maintaining our standards in preventing incidences of Healthcare Associated Infections.

For Patients & Visitors:

MRSA is a term used to describe a bacterium (germ) called the staphylococcus aureus which no longer responds to many commonly used antibiotics.

Barringtons Hospital screens all elective patients that may be at risk from MRSA. It is the hospital policy that the following categories of patient be screened prior to admission

Patients known to be previously MRSA positive.

Patients who are admitted from another hospital or health-care facility or have had a significant inpatient care within the preceding six months.

During an outbreak in hospital or in the community as determined by the Infection Control Team.

Patients with infected wounds and ulcers pre surgery.

Patients who are frequently hospitalised.

An MRSA screen involves either a nasal or body swab been taken. Three clear swabs are required prior to any elective surgery if the initial swab is confirmed as positive.

If you are attending the hospital;

DO wash your hands before and after visiting. Alternatively use one application of the alcohol hand gel available throughout the hospital.

DO NOT visit when you are unwell e.g. have a cold, flu, cold sores, diarrhoea and / or vomiting.

DO NOT sit on a patients bed, please use the chairs provided.

We remind patients who are being admitted for a procedure that they should inform the hospital if they have any known infections so that appropriate action may be taken by the Infection Control Team.

Please contact a member of the Team if you have any infection control issues or require advice on:

(061) 490586 or (061) 490550