Chapter Five - Challenges to Healthcare Providers

Abstract

The Code of Practice on the prevention and control, which forms part of the Health and Social Care Act, is unequivocal in its message that good infection prevention and control are essential in order for health- and social-care service users to receive safe and effective service. Thus, all healthcare workers have a responsibility to become actively involved in preventing and reducing HCAI. Numerous guidelines, procedures and policy documents have been issued in an attempt to promote safe and effective infection prevention and control practice. Patients and their families rely on healthcare workers to consistently implement best practice in order to provide a safe environment. We recognise that at times it is a challenge for healthcare workers to keep up with all the developments available: consequently, this chapter provides summary information concerning three micro-organisms that are currently causing ongoing concern to healthcare providers. The goal here is give up-to-date information that will be helpful to clinical practice and benefit patient care.