Department Infection Prevention and Control

The Infection Preventionist (IP) serves all patients admitted to White County Memorial Hospital, physicians, employees, visitors, and the community in the prevention of the spread of infection, by using surveillance, prevention, and control measures to provide a safer environment.  The IP has the authority to institute any surveillance, prevention, or control measures required when a patient or a health care worker is believed to be at risk.

Specific data are collected based on the type of patients served by the organization.  Data are analyzed for the purpose of establishing rates of healthcare associated infections, which are then compared to previous months, years as well as national data, when applicable.

The IP provides new-employee education regarding basic infection control practices, hand-hygiene, blood-borne pathogen exposures and is available for community education as well.

The IP participates in bioterrorism efforts at both a local and regional level.

The IP presents reports of exposures, infection rates, positive culture findings, reportable diseases, unanticipated adverse events or outcomes, state and federal regulations to the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. The Infection Prevention and Control Committee recommend changes in standards of practice when the need is identified.  The Infection Prevention and Control Committee findings are communicated to all health care workers, the Safety Committee, Medical Staff, and the Hospital Board of Trustees.

The Infection Preventionist and the Infection Prevention and Control Committee are under the direction of the Pathologist who serves as liaison for this function. He is available for consultation as needed.  Additional medical staff members serve on this committee representing other areas/services within the hospital. 

The IP is available Monday through Friday.  The Nursing Supervisor is responsible for any infection control issues after hours, weekends, and/or holidays.