NRH workers conduct 3 days clean up in the hospital

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National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) doctors, nurses and corporate support staff conducted a three days major cleanup of all its wards last week as part of its response to recent detection of Superbug, microorganisms that develop Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The cleanup aimed to enhance hygiene and cleanliness within the wards for continuous alignment with the Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) standards for clean and safe environment to both the patients and health workers.

The Chairman of Anti-Microbial Stewardship Committee, Dr Alex Munamua explained the work done involved thorough dusting and scrubbing of windows, walls, floors, ceilings and disinfecting beds, cupboards, chairs and so forth.

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“It also includes consistent provision with strict monitoring of hygiene detergents such as soaps and hand sanitizer within the wards to enhance personal hygiene of both health workers and patients admitted. This major clean-up is part and parcel of the overall response to the recent detection of superbugs which the hospital had managed to treat and control,” explained Dr Munamua.

He added that since Superbugs easily transmits from one person to another through close contact certain guidelines restricting ward traffic, visitation and patient transfer protocols are also designed, many of which have already been in place and implemented as part of COVID-19 preparedness and response.

NRH’s Medical Superintendent and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Hue acknowledge the commencement of the cleanup stating that the hospital is looking into conducting such major clean ups every month to enhance the usual IPC measures in place.

Superbugs are microorganisms that develop the AMR. AMR is when these microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungus adapt to antimicrobial drugs and therefore these drugs become ineffective or resistant thus infections persists in the body, increasing health risks and transmission to others and lives are at risk with increasing infection, (Septicaemia).

Misuse of antibiotics (eg amoxil, cloxacillin, septrin, flagyl, etc) by self-medication, demanding from health workers (doctors, nurses, pharmacist), seeking self prescription, under dosing, overdosing, inappropriate duration are part of the causation of the development of superbug or AMR.

The bacteria can spread to another person through contact with poor hygiene practices.

Dr. John Hue highlighted that as such, in addressing the Superbug, it takes combined efforts from the public, sick patients and their families including doctors and nurses who are prescribing medicines.

“The public must stop from treating themselves with antibiotics whenever they feel sick, family members of sick patients at NRH should observe visitation regulations set in place and doctors and nurses to rely on supportive laboratory evidence to assign the appropriate antibiotic with correct dosage and duration,” stated Dr. John Hue.

NRH Media.

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