Preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in Maternity - A Collaborative Approach
Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service
Abstract
Current literature reviews have shown that postoperative infection can be up to 30% following a LSCS. At Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (HKH) baseline data for women undergoing Lower Segment Caesarian Section (LSCS) suggests that post operative infections were as high as 20%. A collaborative approach amongst key departments was fostered to implement the components of Safer System Saving Lives (SSL) SSI bundle. The project team addressed gaps such as: education in pre-operative skin care, appropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics in operating theatre, appropriate and timely hair removal and compliance with a locally developed surgical wound care protocol. Overall, results showed significant improvements in the infection rate. Within 11 months the infection rate decreased from 20% to zero.
This project was entered in the 2007 NSW Health Awards, Better Experiences for People using Health Services category.
The full entry document can be downloaded in the formats listed below:
Preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in Maternity (Word - 117 KB)
Preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in Maternity (pdf - 55 KB)
Download the Presentation ( pdf - 293 KB) from the 2007 NSW Health Expo
