Preventing the spread of infections
In our health-care facilities, patients with weak immune systems are more susceptible to everyday germs. Help us ensure that our patients and visitors are protected from the spread of infections. Learn more about our committment to infection prevention and control.
Learn more about healthcare associated infection surveillance by visiting the Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia website.
Hand washing
Did you know that cleaning your hands (also known as hand hygiene) is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of germs that cause the common cold, flu, and even serious or life-threatening diseases?
Protect yourself and others from getting infections by using good hand washing habits; it is very important that you clean your hands often and completely. Wash your hands after using the washroom and before eating. You may also use the alcohol-based liquid/foam hand sanitizers available on each unit and at most bedsides.
As part of our commitment to hand hygiene, we encourage you to politely ask health-care providers if they have cleaned their hands before providing care. For additional information on cleaning hands see the Clean Hands Pamphlet.
Inform staff
If you have a communicable disease, be sure to let staff know when admitted to a health-care facility. Please do not visit if you are ill with symptoms of diarrhea, fever, or respiratory illness.
Do you have MRSA?
Learn about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and any precautions you may find in a health-care facility.
Do you have VRE?
Learn about Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and any precautions you may find in a health-care facility.
What are contact precautions?
We place patients on contact precautions to stop the spread of germs. Learn more about contact precautions and how it affects you and your visitors.