Infection is an extremely serious problem in society. Nosocomial infections are an even greater problem as this not only puts the patient at risk, but may also potentially harm the healthcare practitioners involved. Approximately one in seven patients entering a hospital in South Africa is at risk for acquiring an infection (Brink, A et al, 2006:152).
In Canada, more than 200,000 patients acquire an infection each year while receiving healthcare, and more than 8,000 of these patients die from such infections. As a result, eliminating healthcare-acquired infections has become a priority for healthcare quality and patient safety programs (Sun, J. et al, 2016:215).
A surveillance project conducted from January – December 2012, at various hospitals
In Canada, more than 200,000 patients acquire an infection each year while receiving healthcare, and more than 8,000 of these patients die from such infections. As a result, eliminating healthcare-acquired infections has become a priority for healthcare quality and patient safety programs (Sun, J. et al, 2016:215).
A surveillance project conducted from January – December 2012, at various hospitals