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Michigan Residents, Physicians Reminded to Take Simple Steps to Prevent Infection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2013

LANSING – Physicians, patients, and family members are each a critical part of the healthcare team. Michigan healthcare professionals as well as residents play an important role in preventing infection and staying safe when visiting a healthcare facility. During International Infection Prevention Week, Oct. 20-26, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is encouraging professionals and residents to learn more about how to take an active role in their care.

To help healthcare professionals prevent infections, the MDCH developed a Train-the-Trainer online course. The course is publically available, and aims to provide public health and long term care health professionals necessary education to explain current trends and prevent and control Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI), two of the most common healthcare-associated infections. Visit http://michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2945_5104_55205-300679--,00.html.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 20 hospitalized patients will get a healthcare-associated infection as a result of the care they receive in the hospital,” said Dr. Matthew Davis, Chief Medical Executive for the MDCH. “For Michigan residents, there are very simple steps to keep in mind when visiting a healthcare facility: cover your cough and wash your hands, ask your healthcare providers to wash their hands, and speak up if you have any questions about your care. Being informed is the best protection for yourself and your loved ones.”

These measures are important to keep in ALL healthcare settings: in the hospital, when visiting a hospital patient, in an ambulatory or outpatient office or clinic, in a nursing home, and when receiving care at home.

For more information about International Infection Prevention Week, including patient resources, visit www.iipw.site.apic.org. For more information on MDCH activities to prevent healthcare-associated infections, visit www.michigan.gov/hai.

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