Infection Control
At VCH, the health of our patients and employees is top of mind. Each one of us can successfully reduce the spread of infections with evidence-based infection control measures such as hand hygiene.
3 KEY THINGS
The most important information I need to know.
Visiting a Care Environment
Hand Hygiene
Preventing Spread
The Importance of Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is the single most important way for you to protect yourself and everyone around you from the spread of many infections, including colds and influenza. Patients are particularly vulnerable to acquiring infections while in hospital, and many of these are spread by inadequately-washed hands.
Everyone in the health care environment must practice good hand hygiene, including all health care providers, patients, visitors, and volunteers.
How to Perform Hand Hygiene
- Guide: Performing hand hygiene with soap and water
- Guide: Performing hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub
When to Perform Hand Hygiene
- Upon entering and leaving a patient care environment
- Before eating, after using washroom
- Whenever hands are visibly dirty
- After coughing and sneezing
Respiratory Etiquette
Respiratory infections spread easily because germs contaminate hands and the immediate environment when you cough or sneeze.
Preventing Outbreaks
Do not come to work if you have:
- Fever and cough
- Unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. vomiting and/or diarrhea)
Instead, call the Absence Call Line (604-639-4297 / 1-866-924-4297) and follow the prompts.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Tips to help me take care and stay safe.
Wash your hands
Hand hygiene is the single most important way for you to protect yourself and everyone around you from the spread of many infections, including colds and influenza.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Gloves for handling visibly-dirty equipment. (Careful! Dirty gloves spread infections.)
- Gowns for potential splashing of fluids/water to clothing.
- Masks for potential splashing to the face.
- N95 respirators for protection against airborne contaminants. Must be fit-tested. (Visit the Worker Safety Course for more information on fit-testing.)
Handle waste correctly
Use correct waste segregation and disposal methods. Visit the Resource section of this course for more info on waste handling.
MY ACTION ITEMS
As you continue your orientation watch for ways infection control is promoted throughout the organization.