Infection prevention
ensure that IPC is prioritised at every level of the organisation.
Key interventions supported by the Surgical Pathway IPC Nurse l Comprehensive Surgical Pathway Review l Footfall control: New theatre access protocols on reduced unnecessary traffic as well as audit and monitoring.
l Improved cleaning schedules. l Prevena therapy: Adoption of incisional negative pressure wound therapy for high- risk cases.
l EVH technique review: Standardisation of endoscopic vein harvesting techniques for most suitable patient.
l Decolonisation protocols: Made the treatment prescribable at admission (even if it would not be generally categorised as a prescribable drug) and consistent for all surgical patients.
l Patient education: Introduction of discharge wound photography and updated patient leaflets for care engagement.
l Enhanced Recovery Unit (ERU): Facilitated faster mobilisation and reduced infection risk.
l Infrastructure and Policy Integration: Recognised the impact of building design on infection control.
l Policy alignment: Revised dress code, hand hygiene, and instrument reprocessing protocols.
Outcomes and impact The establishment of the Surgical Pathway IPC Nurse role marked a transformative shift in
the hospital’s infection prevention and control strategy. Its impact was both measurable and cultural: l Reduction in SSIs: The rate dropped from 9.5% to 3.9%, representing a remarkable 59% improvement since the role’s introduction.
l Enhanced Staff Engagement: Staff demonstrated greater morale, understanding, and proactive involvement in IPC practices.
l Recognition: The innovative nature and effectiveness of the role garnered The One Together award 2024.
Lessons learned and future directions This initiative underscored several critical insights: l IPC must be integrated across the full continuum of patient care, not siloed within individual departments.
l Sustainable improvements rely on strong clinical leadership, active stakeholder engagement, and ongoing education.
l Alignment between infrastructure and clinical workflows is essential to uphold IPC best practices.
Conclusion Royal Papworth Hospital’s experience demonstrates the power of innovation, leadership, and collaboration in redefining IPC in surgical settings. As infection control grows more intricate and multidisciplinary, the Surgical Pathway IPC Nurse role offers a scalable, replicable model with proven results. By championing comprehensive leadership
About the author
Currently the Surgical Pathway Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Nurse at Royal Papworth Hospital, Eleonora Iervella has over six years’ experience in cardiothoracic surgery as a scrub nurse. Having taken on a pioneering role in IPC, she is passionate about the surgical pathway and is committed to driving change and transforming infection prevention into a shared responsibility across all teams.
No it must read ‘Winner Healthcare Infection Socie Innovation Dragons Den 2024-2025’
along the entire surgical pathway, healthcare organisations can ensure that infection prevention becomes not just a policy but a consistent, embedded, and impactful practice that enhances patient safety and surgical outcomes.
CSJ
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 21
WINNER HealthCare
Infection Society INNOVATION
DRAGONS DEN 2024 - 2025
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