What measures does Northwestern take for infection prevention?

Northwestern Memorial Hospital implements a comprehensive range of infection prevention measures aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of patients, visitors, and staff. The hospital employs rigorous hand hygiene protocols, requiring all personnel to wash their hands frequently and utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizers to minimize the risk of transmitting infections. Furthermore, Northwestern practices the use of personal protective equipment, or PPE, when necessary. This includes masks, gloves, and gowns, particularly in settings where patients may be affected by contagious illnesses. The hospital also conducts regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment throughout the facility to reduce the presence of pathogens. Patient education is another vital component of infection prevention at Northwestern. Healthcare professionals provide information about the signs of infection and encourage patients to participate actively in their care. Isolation protocols are in place for patients diagnosed with specific contagious diseases to prevent the spread of infections within the hospital. To ensure the effectiveness of these measures, Northwestern continually monitors and evaluates infection rates and outcomes. They also provide ongoing training and education for staff to keep them updated on the latest best practices. For further details regarding their infection prevention policies, it may be beneficial to consult the current web page for contact information.