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Infection Prevention &Control and Microbiology

We are an integrated team providing a 24-hour service to the West Middlesex Hospital and NHS Hounslow. We work with patients, staff and visitors to reduce healthcare associated infections, with the support of the Executive Management Team and the Trust Board.

The department runs a diagnostic and clinical Microbiology service. This includes testing and advice on a wide range of infectious diseases. The Microbiologists oversee the laboratory processes for quality assurance, and authorise and communicate all significant positive results to clinicians with advice.

Our work includes:

Surveillance (measuring the rate of specific infections) – to detect incidents or outbreaks, trends and enable risks to be assessed
Audit of clinical and non-clinical infection control practices against recognised standards
Education and training to raise awareness and support high standards of infection control practice, including producing our own training DVD, quizzes and practical hand hygiene training. Training is mandatory on an annual basis for all staff working in clinical areas
Provision of policies and guidelines based upon evidence, recognised national and international guidelines and recognised good practice
Investigation and management of outbreaks and other incidents associated with infections
The provision of advice to all members of the multi-disciplinary team
Review of new publications relating to infection control with a view to updating policies and implementing procedures as necessary
Working with prescribers to ensure prudent antibiotic use
Open lines of communication with regards to infection control issues to all users
Development of information leaflets for patient and public use