Health and Community Services
October 21, 2014

Focusing on Infection Prevention for the Well-Being of Children,
Families and Seniors

Minister Proclaims National Infection Control Week

National Infection Control Week is being recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador from October 19 to 25 to raise awareness of the role infection prevention plays in improving patient safety.

“Infection prevention and control programs are an important part of an effective health care system. National Infection Control Week provides an opportunity to bring awareness to and educate about the importance of prevention and control.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services

Infection prevention and control programs are recognized as being both clinically and cost effective in preventing and controlling the spread of infections in health care environments. Hand hygiene has been advocated as the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection.

“There are simple things we can all do to prevent the spread of health care associated infections and communicable diseases. With flu season approaching, I encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about the ways we can all help prevent the spread of health care associated infections and communicable disease. This includes washing our hands regularly, using a tissue or arm to cover coughs and sneezes, and containing illness by staying home and resting.”
- Minister Kent

This year’s theme is Infection Prevention – Staying Ahead of the Game!. National Infection Control Week is an opportunity for infection control professionals to educate staff and the community about the importance of infection prevention and to promote the important work that is being done by infection control professionals.

QUICK FACTS

• National Infection Control Week is being recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador October 19-25 to raise awareness of the role infection prevention plays in improving patient safety.
• Infection prevention and control programs are recognized in helping to prevent and control the spread of infections in health care environments.
• This week offers infection control professionals an opportunity to educate staff and the community about the importance of infection prevention and to promote the important work that is being done by infection control professionals.
• This year’s theme is Infection Prevention – Staying Ahead of the Game!

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Media contact:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2014 10 21                                        9:45 a.m.