Working together to prevent and control infections

Infection prevention and control is not simply an issue for hospitals – many infectious diseases can spread within care homes, where large numbers of people, many of whom may be susceptible to infection, share living accommodation.

Infection can be a major cause of illness among residents of care homes, which can result in them being admitted to hospital. For people living in care homes in some developed countries, infection is a common cause of hospitalisation. People can enter care homes colonised with organisms acquired in hospital that are resistant to antibiotics. These homes can then become ‘reservoirs’ of infection. This, and the fact that many people living in care homes have frequent contact with healthcare services, has created a ‘revolving door’ situation, where people are readmitted to hospital for conditions that could be managed within a care home.
Continue Reading