Hospital Acquired Infections - Risks and Prevention

Having worked in the hospital for many years, I’m aware of the potential for healthcare acquired infections. The elderly and chronically ill are especially vulnerable. Many of these infections are caused by the devices and procedures that are necessary in order to provide to care for patients. Urinary tract infections can stem from catheter use (and can cause or increase dementia); pneumonias can result from ventilator use and blood-born infections can be caused by organisms stemming from vascular catheter use.