Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) is a type of bacteria that is highly resistant to antibiotics and can be spread in hospitals. Although it rarely causes infections, an infection with VRE could be devastating to a patient as there are limited antibiotics remaining which are effective against it (there are only two drugs which are interchangeable, so most hospitals only carry one). As some may recall Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) experienced three outbreaks of VRE during 2009 and 2010 but we haven’t heard much about this bug since – and it’s not because it has fallen off of our radar.
An inter-professional team consisting of members from infection prevention and control, unit managers and directors, frontline nursing staff, professional practice leaders, engineering services, and housekeeping, identified and addressed the cultural, behavioral and environmental barriers that had been contributing to the spread of these bacteria. The team researched current literature, conducted a cost-benefit analysis, used videos to reveal out-dated practices, surveyed and then provided education to staff, and made environmental changes, to get support for capital equipment and assist frontline staff to transition to better practices. Through the hard work and dedication of staff from the frontline to patient safety, the incidence of hospital acquired VRE at CKHA has dropped by an amazing 90%, which has been sustained over the last 2 years. This success is a great example of how simple changes in practices do make a difference for our patients. Below are some of the people responsible for this initiative
Pictured L-R, Shane Helgerman, Director Medicine & Mission, Lisa Northcott, Clinical Manager, Medicine, Carol Turner Coordinator IPAC, Harrie Bos Manager, Engineering Services, Carrie Sophonow Manager, Housekeeping, Erika Vitale Infection Prevention & Control Quality Analyst, and Crystal Houze, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive.
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