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Infection Prevention and Control

Nationally recognized for its leadership in infection control, The Ottawa Hospital's Infection Prevention and Control Program is an essential component of quality patient care. The program's evidence-based guidance and recommendations help reduce the risk of infection for patients, staff and visitors.

The program helps ensure the protection of patients, health care workers, staff and visitors from preventable nosocomial disease through surveillance, education, consultation, outbreak investigation, research and the development of policies and procedures.

Nosocomial or Hospital-Acquired Infection

A nosocomial infection is one that was not present or incubating prior to the patient being admitted to the hospital, but occurred within 48 hours after admittance to the hospital. It is often referred to as ‘hospital-acquired'.

TOH monitors infection rates very closely. Despite our best efforts, nosocomial rates for MRSA, VRE and C difficile are on the rise in hospitals across Canada , as well as in the United States and Europe . Increases are being seen for a number of reasons including:

• Today’s hospitalized patients are sicker than ever before;
• The number of patients with weakened immune systems is increasing;
• New devices and procedures with inherent risks are in use;
• Antibiotic use is resulting in the development of resistant bacteria;
• Increased travel allows global spread of bacteria and other pathogens.

To combat this global rise in infection rates, TOH has implemented several measures to address infection rates, including:

• Hand hygiene program with increase access to alcohol gel;
• Screening patients on admission for silent carriage of resistant organisms;
• Use of single rooms, gowns, and gloves to control transmission;
• Renovations to patient care areas;
• Increased housekeeping resources;
• Education and awareness campaigns for patients and health care providers.

Learn more about:

• Antiobiotic-Associated Diarrhea
• Avian Flu
• C difficile
• MRSA
• Screening for MRSA and VRE
• VRE