CORNWALL, Ontario - Cornwall Community Hospital officials will be carrying new communication equipment that promises to maintain infection control protocols at the facility.
New mobile devices, that can be washed under running water, will allow staff to keep in touch with each other, while ensuring if the devide is passed to someone else it can be properly sanitized to prevent spreading germs.
“From an infection prevention and control perspective the use of electronic devices in the hospital environment is a challenge," said Nancy-Ann Bush, the hospital's manager of infection prevention and control.
Hospital officials quickly realized that a smartphone-type tool would be required, as laptops and other bulky equipment would prove too cumbersome, and wouldn't meet infection-control standards.
"Most of these devices cannot be disinfected with hospital grade disinfectants and sustain damage to internal systems from excessive fluid," said Bush. "This 'smartphone' with its waterproof feature will allow cleaning and rinsing with soap and water."
The new hospital smartphones can access the hospital's WiFi network and allow for constant communication between staff members.
Hospital CEO Jeanette Despatie was pleased with the addition of the equipment.
“As a recognized eastern counties leader in the provision of exceptional health services, CCH is proud to be the first hospital in Ontario to institute these phones in the workplace,” she said. “We are always striving to make new improvements in our community hospital while keeping in mind that patient safety is at the forefront of all that we do. The fact that these devices are impervious to water damage and can be cleaned between uses will lessen the chance of spreading infection.”
