Press Release
Carteret General Recognized by State Program for Efforts in Preventing Infections
Carteret General Hospital was recently recommended by the State Program of Infection Control and Epidemiology at UNC to participate in research study looking at best practices in anti-microbial resistance to be conducted by a team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Continuing Professional Development in Medicine and Public Health. The purpose of this study was to examine successful implementation of Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for preventing antibiotic resistance (“superbugs”) among hospitalized patients.
The research team, lead by Dr. Curtis Olson, conducted their on-site research in mid – November by reviewing data and policies as well as interviewing key physicians and members of the Carteret General Hospital staff. The research team was very impressed with the approaches, interventions and successes they reviewed during their stay. Of significant note was the dramatically low rate of infections seen in the patient population, evidenced by rates well below the national average of 2%.
The goal of this research is to develop a better understanding of what contributed to success in the area of antibiotic resistance so better interventions can be designed to facilitate future implementations in other facilities. Results of this research will be integrated with two other case studies for journal publication early next year.
“It is a tremendous honor for Carteret General to be recognized for their “cutting edge” approach to managing this issue”, stated Elaine Crittenton, RN, Infection Control Professional. “Congratulations are in order to the physicians and staff of Carteret General for making such a positive impact in the care of our patients and for setting an example for other hospitals around the world” Ms. Crittenton added. “Hospitals choose how proactive they want to be in the fight of infections and Carteret General has chosen to be very aggressive for the community’s high-risk population.”
A contributing factor of success is through handwashing which is the number one way to fight hospital-acquired infections. As such, Carteret General Hospital adopted a strict hand washing policy and is aggressively monitoring hand washing of all staff. Visitors are subject to observation also. As another aid, alcohol hand sanitizer is available throughout the facility, including the first floor.
Carteret General Hospital is a 135-bed hospital serving Eastern North Carolina. The Hospital offers a full range of acute care, diagnostic and outpatient services including a comprehensive Cancer Center, CGH Imaging Center, Joint & Spine Center, Hospice, Home Health, Emergency Department and Birthing Center. Excellence & Educational Programs for Diabetes, Stroke, Joint & Spine Surgery, Congestive Heart Failure, and Breast Cancer enhance the Hospital’s specialty services to a level that you would only expect at larger facilities. For additional information about Carteret General Hospital, call 252.808.6000 or visit our website at ccgh.org.