Matrix Challenges Current Infection Control Regimes

Chris Stone R.N. - 27th March 2008

Infection Control Regimes Challenged

A contentious white paper claiming that the current infection epidemics reported in the UK media, 'as a result of falling standards of cleanliness in healthcare facilities', maybe somewhat wide of the mark.

The author, Chris Stone, RN, (Registered Nurse) and founder of Matrix Cleaning Solutions, discovered that Health Care Acquired Infections (HCAIs) had not dramatically increased in the last quarter century, as oft claimed in the press.

The fact is we are all living longer. Realistically, we will invariably, at some time in our lives, have taken antibiotics and that is affecting our own levels of immunity. Ironically, we are so clean now that even resistance to the common cold is lessened.

Previous studies have highlighted that it is the public perception of clean wards that is so critically important; facilities have to be seen to be clean. Conversely, as airborne infections are not visible to the naked eye, the perception of cleanliness may not necessarily be the reality.

However, clinical research has emphasized the need for health care facilities to adopt a strict thorough cleaning regime. This discipline is reassuring to patients and staff alike and critically, this learned behaviour is necessary for effective infection control.

Stone's White Paper concludes that good-cleaning procedures are vitally important, despite the fact that there is no correlation between the public's perception that hospitals and community care facilities are demonstrably dirtier, patients at risk from contacting infections whilst in their protection, than in the previous decades. This is borne out by government health statistics showing that the number of HCAIs has not significantly risen in the past 25 years.

"Having reviewed the paper on maintaining healthy care environments and the sentiment that “cleanliness is a fundamental part of caring”, the paper appears to make some sound (and common sense) statements about ways to improve safety and quality around infection control. The points made are as valid for care home settings as they are for hospitals. An informed approach to raising awareness, providing clear standards and expectations as well as regular staff training are all crucially important; and they are all covered in the paper. They are the least that should be expected of good care providers."

Des Kelly OBE  Executive Director National Care Forum

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