The purpose/mission of the Infection Control Service at TEGH is to provide and be accountable for quality in Infection Control.

• To survey the incidence and reduce the risk of preventable infections.
• To prevent infection transmission within TEGH and the community for the well- being of patients, healthcare workers and visitors.
• To educate hospital staff that it is their responsibility to practice infection prevention and control.
• To manage outbreaks when they occur.
• To ensure policies and procedures reflect the most current standards.
• To fulfill our role in a manner that demonstrates our core values; “kindness, excellence and respect”.

To contact Infection Control:  icontrol@tegh.on.ca

How to wash your hands:

Good hand washing is the most important infection control practice. When washing hands: Use warm running water and soap. Lather and rub hands together, paying attention to fingertips, cuticles, around rings and under nails. Spend at least 15 seconds lathering and washing hands. Rinse hands thoroughly and pat dry. Turn off the taps with paper towel. Apply lotion several times throughout the day to help prevent dry, cracked skin (which can be an opening for infection). Hand washing should be performed before, during and after a hospital visit.

Questions that all patients who register at TEGH will be asked:

1. Do you have a new/worse cough or shortness of breath?
2. Have you been feeling feverish or had shakes or chills in the last 24 hours?
3. Have you had any diarrhea in the last 48 hours?
4. Have you traveled outside of Canada within the last 30 days?
5. Have you had contact with an ill person who has traveled outside of Canada within the last 30 days?
6. Have you been a patient or worked in a health-care facility within the last 30 days?

If you answer yes to these questions, you may be asked to wear a mask.  By wearing a mask, we reduce the risk of passing our illness to other persons.

How can you help?

• Please use the sanitizer upon entry to the hospital and when leaving.  Hand sanitizers are located at every entrance and at the door of each patient room. 
• Don’t visit if you are ill.  While a cough or cold can be a mild inconvenience at home, it can make a patient very ill and delay their recovery.
• If you must be in the hospital while you are ill, we ask that you “ cover your cough” and ask for a mask.  We will be happy to provide you with one for the duration of your hospital visit.
• When visiting a patient in “Isolation Precautions”, for your own protection and the safety of others
  • Signage indicates what personal protective equipment should be worn.
  • Please adhere to the information on the sign.
  • Protective Equipment is provided by the hospital.
  • Please ask your nurse if you have any questions.

Fact Sheets:

CHICA (Community & Hospitals Infection Control)
http://www.chica.org/ 

Centre for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/page.do/id/0900f3ec80112422

Health Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/bid-bmi/dsd-dsm/nb-ab/index.html

Minstry of Health and Long Term Care
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/public_mn.html

PIDAC (Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee)
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/infectious/pidac/pidac_mn.html 

Toronto Public Health
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/health/