INFECTION CONTROL UNIT
Organizational Chart
VISION AND MISSION
OF THE
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL COMMITTEE
OF THE
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL COMMITTEE
VISION
The Infection Prevention and Control Committee is envisioned to be responsible in the implementation of Infection Control Program in the hospital thereby reducing infection and ensures safety of patients, relatives and healthcare workers.
The Committee also envisions participating/conducting of research in infection control.
MISSION
The Infection Prevention and Control Committee strives to promote the prevention and control of hospital infection in the pursuit of the hospital’s mission as the center of wellness, healthcare and health education.
The Infection Prevention and Control Committee is envisioned to be responsible in the implementation of Infection Control Program in the hospital thereby reducing infection and ensures safety of patients, relatives and healthcare workers.
The Committee also envisions participating/conducting of research in infection control.
MISSION
The Infection Prevention and Control Committee strives to promote the prevention and control of hospital infection in the pursuit of the hospital’s mission as the center of wellness, healthcare and health education.
STAFF
Armin Masbang, MD, FPCP, FPSMID
Chairperson, Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Aileen S. Carreon, MD, FPCP, DPSMID
Vice Chairman, Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Almira C. Gabriel, RN, MAN
Nurse III, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse
Errol Reginald A. Ignacio, RN, MAN
Nurse II, Infection Prevention and Control Nurse
Armin Masbang, MD, FPCP, FPSMID
Chairperson, Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Aileen S. Carreon, MD, FPCP, DPSMID
Vice Chairman, Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Almira C. Gabriel, RN, MAN
Nurse III, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse
Errol Reginald A. Ignacio, RN, MAN
Nurse II, Infection Prevention and Control Nurse
Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) upholds the highest standards in infection prevention and control (IPC), following the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines on management, structure, functions, and responsibilities. Our Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) directly reports to the Hospital Director, ensuring a direct line of communication and accountability. The committee is responsible for the formulation and regular updates of IPC policies and guidelines, ensuring that these are disseminated effectively to all healthcare workers. Moreover, the committee plays a crucial role in providing continuous training and guidance to both the IPC team and all healthcare workers, fostering a culture of safety and compliance.
The IPCC at QCGH is chaired by a designated chairperson and comprises six core members, including the Chief of Clinics, Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultant, Pathology Department Chair, Nursing Service Representative, Hospital Employees’ Physician, and the Treatment Hub Consultant. In addition, there are seven auxiliary members representing the Engineering, Pharmacy, Central Supply Room, Dietary, Linen and Laundry, Procurement, and Quality Assurance sections. This multidisciplinary composition ensures that all aspects of hospital operations are aligned with IPC standards.
QCGH has developed comprehensive guidelines, policies, and procedures that cover all aspects of IPC. These include protocols for hand hygiene, standard and transmission-based precautions, triage of infectious patients, aseptic techniques, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices and equipment, safe injection practices, healthcare waste management, environmental cleaning and disinfection, and engineering controls relative to COVID-19. We also prioritize occupational health and safety, with specific protocols for healthcare worker orientation on IPC, zoning, and the prevention of transmission of highly communicable infections.
Education and training are critical components of our IPC strategy. We conduct regular training sessions on hand hygiene, isolation precautions, basic epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections, decontamination, disinfection and sterilization, environmental care, hospital waste management, safe injection practices, proper PPE donning and doffing, and prevention of healthcare worker infection risks. Furthermore, our training programs cover immunization against tuberculosis, HIV, and Hepatitis B, management of emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens, healthcare-associated infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), surgical site infections, antimicrobial stewardship, outbreak management, and surveillance.
Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections is a cornerstone of our IPC program. The IPCC utilizes various tools, including monthly utilization device tracking, healthcare-associated infection report forms, and chart-to-chart rounds. Collaboration with the Pathology Department ensures prompt identification and response to any infection growth, allowing us to maintain the highest standards of patient care.
QCGH operates with a 250-bed capacity, adhering to a 1:1 patient-to-bed ratio as per DOH licensing. We implement appropriate staffing levels based on patient workload, with four adult infectious disease consultants and one pediatric infectious disease consultant. The IPC nurse-to-hospital-bed ratio stands at 2:250, ensuring adequate coverage and attention to infection control. Additionally, we have established systems for patient flow, including unidirectional foot traffic and appropriate triage at the ER and OPD, to ensure seamless patient navigation and referral.
Additionally, we have established systems for patient flow, including unidirectional foot traffic and appropriate triage at the ER and OPD, to ensure seamless patient navigation and referral.
At Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH), we're dedicated to keeping the highest standards in the structure and operation of a medical facility that puts patient safety, effectiveness, and infection control first. At the forefront of our operations is infection prevention and control (IPC), which is why our facility is built to protect both patients and workers.
To maintain cleanliness throughout the hospital, we make sure there is a consistent supply of drinkable, clean water and that all sanitation systems are operating properly. Well-maintained septic systems safely manage sewage and fecal waste, avoiding contamination and protecting public health.
QCGH also adheres to accessibility standards by providing designated toilet facilities for individuals with physical disabilities, ensuring inclusivity for all patients. Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of our IPC strategy. Functional hand hygiene stations are placed at key points of care, and we actively promote their use among staff, patients, and visitors. Our facility maintains a bed-to-sink ratio of 1:5, which enables healthcare workers to easily access handwashing facilities, further reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Patient safety is enhanced by ensuring that hospital beds are positioned at least one meter apart, reducing the likelihood of cross-infection. For highly communicable diseases, we are equipped with negative pressure isolation rooms that effectively contain airborne pathogens, providing an additional layer of infection control.
Adequate ventilation is critical to maintaining a healthy hospital environment. Our facility features functional windows and doors that promote air circulation, minimizing the spread of infections. In the event of power outages, QCGH is equipped with a backup generator to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
Additionally, through our Central Supply Room (CSR) efforts, we ensure the consistent availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our staff, further enhancing our infection control measures. These comprehensive strategies reflect QCGH's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care in a well-equipped and hygienic environment.
In conclusion, Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) is devoted to delivering a secure and organized medical setting based on the concepts of infection prevention and control (IPC). Following Department of Health (DOH) regulations, QCGH has built a strong IPC system that protects patients and medical personnel. Through the implementation of extensive training programs, strict hygiene regulations, and a multidisciplinary Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC), QCGH consistently fosters a culture of safety, compliance, and patient-centered care.
Every element of our hospital's operations, from dependable water and sanitation systems to specialized isolation rooms, efficient ventilation, and sufficient hand hygiene facilities, is planned to reduce the risk of infection. QCGH is a model of excellence in healthcare thanks to its constant observation, appropriate personnel levels, and the assistance of the Central Supply Room (CSR) in providing necessary protective equipment. We promise to provide the safest, best care possible to everyone who entrusts us with their health because we are committed to upholding the strictest IPC standards.
The IPCC at QCGH is chaired by a designated chairperson and comprises six core members, including the Chief of Clinics, Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultant, Pathology Department Chair, Nursing Service Representative, Hospital Employees’ Physician, and the Treatment Hub Consultant. In addition, there are seven auxiliary members representing the Engineering, Pharmacy, Central Supply Room, Dietary, Linen and Laundry, Procurement, and Quality Assurance sections. This multidisciplinary composition ensures that all aspects of hospital operations are aligned with IPC standards.
QCGH has developed comprehensive guidelines, policies, and procedures that cover all aspects of IPC. These include protocols for hand hygiene, standard and transmission-based precautions, triage of infectious patients, aseptic techniques, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices and equipment, safe injection practices, healthcare waste management, environmental cleaning and disinfection, and engineering controls relative to COVID-19. We also prioritize occupational health and safety, with specific protocols for healthcare worker orientation on IPC, zoning, and the prevention of transmission of highly communicable infections.
Education and training are critical components of our IPC strategy. We conduct regular training sessions on hand hygiene, isolation precautions, basic epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections, decontamination, disinfection and sterilization, environmental care, hospital waste management, safe injection practices, proper PPE donning and doffing, and prevention of healthcare worker infection risks. Furthermore, our training programs cover immunization against tuberculosis, HIV, and Hepatitis B, management of emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens, healthcare-associated infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), surgical site infections, antimicrobial stewardship, outbreak management, and surveillance.
Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections is a cornerstone of our IPC program. The IPCC utilizes various tools, including monthly utilization device tracking, healthcare-associated infection report forms, and chart-to-chart rounds. Collaboration with the Pathology Department ensures prompt identification and response to any infection growth, allowing us to maintain the highest standards of patient care.
QCGH operates with a 250-bed capacity, adhering to a 1:1 patient-to-bed ratio as per DOH licensing. We implement appropriate staffing levels based on patient workload, with four adult infectious disease consultants and one pediatric infectious disease consultant. The IPC nurse-to-hospital-bed ratio stands at 2:250, ensuring adequate coverage and attention to infection control. Additionally, we have established systems for patient flow, including unidirectional foot traffic and appropriate triage at the ER and OPD, to ensure seamless patient navigation and referral.
Additionally, we have established systems for patient flow, including unidirectional foot traffic and appropriate triage at the ER and OPD, to ensure seamless patient navigation and referral.
At Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH), we're dedicated to keeping the highest standards in the structure and operation of a medical facility that puts patient safety, effectiveness, and infection control first. At the forefront of our operations is infection prevention and control (IPC), which is why our facility is built to protect both patients and workers.
To maintain cleanliness throughout the hospital, we make sure there is a consistent supply of drinkable, clean water and that all sanitation systems are operating properly. Well-maintained septic systems safely manage sewage and fecal waste, avoiding contamination and protecting public health.
QCGH also adheres to accessibility standards by providing designated toilet facilities for individuals with physical disabilities, ensuring inclusivity for all patients. Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of our IPC strategy. Functional hand hygiene stations are placed at key points of care, and we actively promote their use among staff, patients, and visitors. Our facility maintains a bed-to-sink ratio of 1:5, which enables healthcare workers to easily access handwashing facilities, further reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Patient safety is enhanced by ensuring that hospital beds are positioned at least one meter apart, reducing the likelihood of cross-infection. For highly communicable diseases, we are equipped with negative pressure isolation rooms that effectively contain airborne pathogens, providing an additional layer of infection control.
Adequate ventilation is critical to maintaining a healthy hospital environment. Our facility features functional windows and doors that promote air circulation, minimizing the spread of infections. In the event of power outages, QCGH is equipped with a backup generator to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
Additionally, through our Central Supply Room (CSR) efforts, we ensure the consistent availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our staff, further enhancing our infection control measures. These comprehensive strategies reflect QCGH's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care in a well-equipped and hygienic environment.
In conclusion, Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) is devoted to delivering a secure and organized medical setting based on the concepts of infection prevention and control (IPC). Following Department of Health (DOH) regulations, QCGH has built a strong IPC system that protects patients and medical personnel. Through the implementation of extensive training programs, strict hygiene regulations, and a multidisciplinary Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC), QCGH consistently fosters a culture of safety, compliance, and patient-centered care.
Every element of our hospital's operations, from dependable water and sanitation systems to specialized isolation rooms, efficient ventilation, and sufficient hand hygiene facilities, is planned to reduce the risk of infection. QCGH is a model of excellence in healthcare thanks to its constant observation, appropriate personnel levels, and the assistance of the Central Supply Room (CSR) in providing necessary protective equipment. We promise to provide the safest, best care possible to everyone who entrusts us with their health because we are committed to upholding the strictest IPC standards.
- INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL APPOINTMENT
- Licensed Professionals
- Manual of Policies and Procedures
This policy ensures the proper and efficient use of rapid antigen kits and RT-PCR tests for the detection of infectious diseases. It outlines specific guidelines for when and how each test should be utilized, aiming to optimize resource allocation, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and prevent misuse. The policy prioritizes rapid antigen testing for screening in high-prevalence settings, while RT-PCR remains the gold standard for confirmatory diagnosis and critical cases. This approach helps with timely decision-making and better infection control within the hospital.
These updated guidelines ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare staff by outlining the necessary COVID-19 clearance protocols before any planned operating room procedure. The guidelines emphasize timely testing and risk assessment to prevent infection transmission in surgical settings.
This contingency plan outlines strategies for the efficient and prioritized use of rapid antigen test kits during periods of critical supply shortages. It ensures that testing remains targeted and resource-efficient, focusing on high-risk and high-priority cases to maintain effective infection control.
This policy provides clear guidelines for the prompt reporting and management of personnel exposed to bloodborne pathogens or needlestick injuries. It ensures timely medical evaluation, treatment, and follow-up to minimize health risks and prevent further incidents.
This policy outlines the guidelines for admitting patients with negative rapid antigen or RT-PCR test results into regular wards and the ICU. It ensures the proper placement of patients to maintain infection control standards while optimizing bed usage and minimizing the risk of cross-contamination within the hospital.
These updated guidelines outline the necessary steps for ensuring COVID-19 safety before any planned operating room procedure. By establishing clear protocols for testing, symptom assessment, and risk evaluation, these guidelines aim to protect both patients and healthcare personnel, ensuring a safe surgical environment amidst ongoing pandemic challenges.
- Cleaning and Disinfection
- Conducting of Lecture
September 17, 2024 Seminar Conducted
September 18, 2024 Seminar Conducted
September 20, 2024, Seminar Conducted
October 2024 Global Hand Washing Month Celebration
In celebration of Global Handwashing Month, the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) hosted a seminar focused on the importance of hand hygiene in infection prevention. The event included sessions on effective handwashing and hand rubbing techniques, along with discussions on the role of hand hygiene in reducing healthcare-associated infections. The seminar successfully reinforced best practices among healthcare workers and raised awareness of hand hygiene's critical role in protecting patient and community health.
In celebration of Global Handwashing Month, the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) hosted a seminar focused on the importance of hand hygiene in infection prevention. The event included sessions on effective handwashing and hand rubbing techniques, along with discussions on the role of hand hygiene in reducing healthcare-associated infections. The seminar successfully reinforced best practices among healthcare workers and raised awareness of hand hygiene's critical role in protecting patient and community health.
November 2024 - Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week
During the third week of November, the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) organized an awareness campaign in observance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Week. This campaign featured educational seminars and interactive sessions that highlighted the global threat of AMR, the importance of appropriate antibiotic use, and strategies to prevent the spread of resistant infections. Through these efforts, the IPCC aimed to empower healthcare workers and the community to take active steps in combating AMR, promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials, and supporting practices that reduce the risk of resistance.
During the third week of November, the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) organized an awareness campaign in observance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Week. This campaign featured educational seminars and interactive sessions that highlighted the global threat of AMR, the importance of appropriate antibiotic use, and strategies to prevent the spread of resistant infections. Through these efforts, the IPCC aimed to empower healthcare workers and the community to take active steps in combating AMR, promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials, and supporting practices that reduce the risk of resistance.
- MPOX orientation via zoom
- Infographics
- Bulletin Board
- Hand Hygiene Compliance and Promotion
- Proper waste management
- Leptospirosis Surveillance
This is the essential form for healthcare workers to complete, featuring a comprehensive checklist of signs and symptoms to watch for regarding Leptospirosis. Promptly filling out this form is crucial for tracking your health and ensuring swift action in case of potential exposure. Your vigilance is key to preventing infection and safeguarding our community!
- Infection Prevention and Control Committee: Recent Seminars and Training
- Orientation for Newly Hired Health Care Workers