The website of the Clinical Services Journal

GSTT reduces infections with SSI protocol

Good, progressive SSI pathways have helped protect patients and reduce the risk of SSIs. Rachel Harding offers an insight into the implementation of an effective protocol for skin preparation, which has helped improve patient outcomes.

Good, progressive surgical site infection pathways at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) have helped protect patients and reduce the risk of SSIs. Rachel Harding offers an insight into the implementation of an effective protocol for skin preparation, which has helped improve patient outcomes.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) have devastating outcomes for patients, families and organisations. An SSI may be superficial, involving the skin, or more serious involving tissues under the skin, organs, or implanted material. Not only can SSIs delay patients’ recovery and a natural return to normal activities, they can result in serious long-term complications. Corrective surgery may be needed in an attempt to remove the source of infection.

Every SSI is an additional use of NHS resources, and increases the discomfort of the patient. It reduces the quality and safety of patient care (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE] 2014). The additional time patients spend in the hospital due to an SSI varies from three to 54 days, depending on the surgical specialty and procedure. In some cases, the infection is so debilitating, a patient may never be able to return to work.

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

ESGE Days 2024, Symposium – ‘Elevating Endoscopy: Inspiring Progress and Innovation’

Estrel Congress Center (room 15), Berlin, Germany
25th April 2024, 16:30 – 17:30 CEST

National DERS and SMART pump conference

BCEC, Birmingham
29th April 2024

World Hand Hygiene Day

Worldwide
5th May 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

BAUN Summer Educational Event – Essential Urology Skills

Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Stephenson Quarter
6th June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

ESGE Days 2024, Symposium – ‘Elevating Endoscopy: Inspiring Progress and Innovation’

Estrel Congress Center (room 15), Berlin, Germany
25th April 2024, 16:30 – 17:30 CEST

National DERS and SMART pump conference

BCEC, Birmingham
29th April 2024

World Hand Hygiene Day

Worldwide
5th May 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

BAUN Summer Educational Event – Essential Urology Skills

Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Stephenson Quarter
6th June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025