Honey May Hold Key to Beating Hospital Superbug
from The Sydney Morning Herald
Australian researchers have identified a type of bacteria-blasting honey capable of taking on the superbugs that have infected the Australian hospitals. It's well known that honey has anti-bacterial properties but scientists from the University of Sydney say a particular type derived from native tea tree is especially potent. More

Infection Prevention Text Updated, Improved
from Infection Control Today
More than 300 infection prevention experts have completed a text that serves as one of the most valuable tools for infection preventionists throughout the world, the APIC Text of Infection Control and Epidemiology. The 1,700-page document, now in its third edition, has been completely revised and is now available, offering a concise information resource containing more than 120 expanded and enhanced chapters. More

Joint Commission Seeks Input on Standards
from Modern Healthcare
The Joint Commission is seeking comments on its proposed hospital accreditation requirements to advance effective communication, cultural competence and patient-centered care. More

ASHES Announces Additional CHESP Online Study Group
from ASHES
Are you thinking of taking the CHESP Exam at the 2009 ASHES Annual Conference? The CHESP Online Study Group starting July 6 is a great opportunity to get you prepared for the exam. This six week online study group is designed as a self-paced course, which means you are responsible for logging into the course and completing the material. CHESP candidates or potential candidates will collaborate, interact, review material, and ultimately, help each other prepare for the Exam. Register today by completing the CHESP Online Study Group registration form. The study group will begin on Monday, July 6, 2009. For more information please contact ASHES at 312.422.3860 or ashes@aha.org. More

Hospital Bugs 'Not Always Preventable'
from The Irish Times
Between Five and 10 percent of patients admitted to acute hospitals will develop MRSA-type infections, according to a report from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. The report by the college’s policy group, which is chaired by Prof Hilary Humphreys, said not all healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are preventable. More

2009 ES Week Materials Available
from ASHES
Celebrate National Healthcare Environmental Services & Housekeeping Week September 13-19, 2009. Show support and appreciation for Healthcare Environmental Services & Housekeeping Departments with exclusive gifts featuring the official ASHES theme: "Partners in Infection Prevention." Order by August 29, 2009 to ensure delivery in time for Environmental Services & Housekeeping Week. Click here to view 2009 ES Week products. ASHES receives royalties for purchases that foster the ASHES mission. More

WHO Raises Pandemic Alert to Phase Six
from WHO
On June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert to phase six indicating an official worldwide influenza pandemic after the emergence of the novel influenza A H1N1 virus. The WHO says the virus is contagious and spreading easily from one person to another. As of June 15, the WHO reported nearly 36,000 cases of H1N1. Margaret Chan, director-general of WHO, said severity so far has been moderate, with few deaths. However the organization is concerned with the spread of the disease and its effect on younger, healthier people. For more thoughts on how medical facilities handled, and continue to handle, the H1N1 outbreaks visit OSHA Healthcare Advisor, where IC blogger Peg Luebbert has some thoughts about pandemic planning and employee health from the APIC conference . While you're there you may also want to take our poll question about More

Kimberly-Clark Professional Launches Bath Tissue and Towel Dispensers with Microban Antimicrobial Protection
from Kimberly-Clark Professional
If you thought a toilet seat was the most bacteria- laden place in a public restroom, think again. According to new research conducted by microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona, the average toilet paper dispenser has more than 150 times the amount of bacteria than the average toilet seat. The picture isn't much improved when it comes to paper towel dispensers. These were found to have over 50 times more bacteria on average than a typical public restroom toilet seat. At a time when public concern about the day-to-day risks of exposure to microbes remains high, Kimberly- Clark Professional has an exclusive product solution that addresses these issues: A full range of toilet paper and paper towel dispensers with Microban antimicrobial protection. The dispensers offer built-in antimicrobial protection against common bacteria, such as yeasts, molds and fungi that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. Unlike surface treatments, Microban antimicrobial product protection is added during the manufacturing process and is an integral part of the dispenser that will not wash off or wear away, providing protection for the life of the dispenser. Kimberly-Clark Professional is the only personal care products provider licensed to offer dispensers with Microban protection. Microban technology provides antimicrobial protection against stain and odor-causing bacteria. It also helps prevent microbes from growing and reproducing. This keeps dispensers cleaner between cleanings. Microban protection is available with the following Kimberly-Clark Professional dispensers: the Lev-R- Matic Roll Towel Dispenser, Sanitouch Roll Towel Dispenser, Coreless JRT Twin Bath Tissue Dispenser and Coreless Double Roll Bath Tissue Dispenser. As with all Kimberly-Clark Professional products, the dispensers with Microban protection come with the Kimberly-Clark Professional "No Questions Asked" guarantee. The guarantee reimburses purchasers up to $1,000 worth of free product if the initial product does not meet expectations. More

New Keyboards Designed to Help with Infection Control
from Health Equipment & Supplies
JAOTech’s Wyki keyboards monitor their own disinfect status to give reminders when sterilization is due is a bid to help with efforts to reduce instances of harmful bacteria such as MRSA and E coli. The equipment was designed after research by microbiologists at University College London Hospital showed that bacteria levels on keyboards fall by 70 percent if they are cleaned every 12 hours. More