Infection Prevention The Infection Prevention Department at Valley Regional Hospital has a singular focus to keep our patients safe by preventing healthcare-acquired infections (HAI). HAIs are infections that patients contract during the course of receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting. These infections can often lead to longer hospital stays and slower recovery periods.

At VRH, our infection prevention experts diligently work to keep our patients and caregivers safe through a rigorous prevention program by:

• Identifying risks for infection.
• Recommending ways to prevent infection and monitor outcomes.
• Teaching and enforcing proper hygiene methods to all employees.
• Consulting on isolation precautions and other infection control issues.

Our entire staff, both clinical and non-clinical roles, play a key role in the number of infections as low as possible.

How can you help in this prevention effort?

Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

If you have an IV, keep the site clean and dry.

If you have an operation, call your nurse if the bandage becomes loose or wet.

If you have a tube to drain urine or a wound, tell your nurse if it gets loose or comes out.

Remind people caring for you to wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer before touching you.

Let the people caring for you know if you have been exposed to a contagious disease recently, such as whooping cough, chickenpox, influenza, tuberculosis, etc.

How can your visitors help in this prevention effort?

Ask relatives and friends not to visit you if they have a cold or feel sick.