Precautions
Aberdeen Hospital has some restrictions in effect to limit spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
The Aberdeen Hospital is experiencing an increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at the hospital and has put measures in place to prevent further spread. According to posters at the hospital, only immediate family members are allowed to visit patients and no more than two at a time. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit. Visitors are advised to wash hands when entering and exiting patient units and the hospital. The following is information provided the Nova Scotia Health Authority in response to questions from The News Q: How widespread is this bacteria?
A: The bacteria are VRE (vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus). Enterococci are germs that live in our gut (bowel) and, for the most part, don’t cause anyone any harm. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are strains of the germs that are resistant to vancomycin (antibiotic) treatment. VRE is not a disease; it’s the name of a certain bacteria.
Q: When were these measures put into place? A: Visitors are limited at the Aberdeen Hospital, as one of several infection prevention and control precautions taken to prevent the spread of VRE throughout the hospital.
Q: How many patients have been affected? A: The majority of people who acquire VRE have the bacteria present (or colonized) in their large bowels but do not become sick with an infection. During our usual infection prevention and control practices we noticed an increased incidence in patients colonized with VRE and put the appropriate measures in place.
Q: How is it affecting patients? A: Inpatients that have positive VRE tests are now in single patient rooms, patients must stay in their room unless they have tests and treatments. Caregivers and visitors of the patient must wear gowns and gloves while in the patient’s room. And everyone must clean their hands when entering or leaving the patient room.
Q: Have any sections of the hospital been closed off? A: The Aberdeen Hospital is not closed off and is open as usual to patients, visitors and families. While in hospital, visitors will need to follow hospital guidelines to prevent the spread of VRE. This will include washing hands or using alcohol hand rub when entering and leaving the hospital and/or the patient’s room.
Q: How long are the measures expected to be in place? A: All infection prevention and control precautions, including limited visitors, will be in place as long as we have increased incidence of VRE.