Department of Infection Control



VISION

To promote patient safety by reducing the risk of acquiring and transmitting hospital-acquired infections and to be recognized as an infection control centre of international stature

MISSION

  1. To facilitate more rapid and effective intervention in the prevention and control of nosocomial infections
  2. To educate and increase the awareness of healthcare workers of the burden of healthcare-associated infections on the healthcare system
  3. To train and educate healthcare workers on meeting the challenges of healthcare-associated infections through infection prevention interventions
  4. To educate the public on healthcare-associated infections and steps of prevention

BACKGROUND

In the early 1970s, hospital infection activities were the responsibility of the Infection Control Unit in the Department of Medical Microbiology. Staff then comprised a Medical Microbiologist, a registered nurse and a Medical Laboratory Technologist.

To cope with increasing problems with nosocomial infections, a nursing sister was assigned to the Unit for several years (1987-1990).This was followed by the appointment of three Infection Control Nurses (ICN) in 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Eventually, the Infection Control Department (ICD) was formed on 3rd April 2000, under the directive of the Hospital Director and Chairman of the Infection Control Committee, PPUM, Prof. Dato'''' Dr. Anuar Zaini Mohd Zain. The ICD was created specifically to enable more rapid and effective actions to be taken in the prevention and control of nosocomial infections.

Currently, the ICD works closely with the Microbiology Diagnostic Laboratory and Infectious Diseases Physicians.

DEPARTMENTAL FUNCTIONS

  1. Perform comprehensive surveillance for healthcare-associated infections and maintain an effective nosocomial infection surveillance system
  2. Identify, investigate and advise on outbreaks of infection
  3. Create evidence-based interventions to prevent healthcare-associated infections
  4. Formulate and reinforce guidelines and infection control policies to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections
  5. Develop and maintain educational programs regarding infection control for all healthcare workers, students and patients
  6. Provide unit-based consultation in the assessment and management of patients and employees with communicable diseases
  7. Conduct evaluation and research for quality improvement in infection control
  8. Evaluate methods and technologies to reduce transmission of pathogens within the hospital
  9. Ensure that the practice of infection control precautions and safe procedures is appropriately enforced to protect healthcare workers from infections and accidents in accordance with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration Act (OSHA).

ACTIVITIES

  1. Point Prevalence Survey
  2. Surveillance of multidrug resistant organisms
  3. Targeted surveillance of SSI/BSI/VAP
  4. Hand hygiene surveillance
  5. Maintenance of environmental cleanliness
  6. Infection control education and training
  7. Sterility testing
  8. Control of outbreak of infection
  9. Air sampling

WORLD HAND HYGIENE 2018

World Hand Hygiene Campaign was held on July 6, 2018 in UMMC with the theme of "It’s In Your Hand, Prevent Sepsis in Healthcare". The campaign was meant to raise awareness among the staff on the importance of hand hygiene. Hand hygiene curbs the spreads of antibiotic resistance germs.


DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES/ACTIVITIES

  • 6 Steps of Hand Hygiene with Soap and Water
  • 6 Steps of Hand Hygiene with Alcohol-based Hand Rub
  • Surgical Hand Preparation in the Operation Theatre
  • Blood Culture Collection
  • CVC Dressing Change and Flushing
  • 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene
  • Education Video on Hemodialysis


ADDRESS

  • Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya,
    Lembah Pantai, 59100,
    Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

EMAIL

  • Email : ummc@ummc.edu.my

TEL

  • Phone No : 03-79494422
    Fax : 03-79492030

WEBSITE

  • WEBSITE : www.ummc.edu.my