Voices Magazine-Vol4-Issue

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | January – April 2021 20 N urses and other members of the health fraternity from across the Caribbean region joined in a virtual seminar on April 8, 2021 hosted by the Caribbean School of Nursing, (CSON) in the College of Health Sciences, themed “Unprecedented Times: Infection Control Maximized”. Welcoming participants to the seminar, Dr. Adella Campbell, Head, Caribbean School of Nursing, noted that the session was convened to provide additional information on infection control, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The virtual seminar included informative presentations from UTech, Jamaica Lecturers Dr. Audrey Gittens, and Mrs. Sandra Goulbourne-Mills. Defining Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) as ‘the scientific approach and practical solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection to patients and health care workers’, Dr. Audrey Gittens underscored the need for robust, specific and holistic IPC measures, especially in a pandemic, where the threat of transmission of infectious diseases is global. Highlighting the importance of infection prevention and control, Dr. Gittens, noted that “preventing harm to patients, health workers and visitors due to infection in health care facilities is fundamental to achieve quality care, patient safety, health security and the reduction of health care-associated infections.” Mrs. Sandra Goulbourne-Mills, Clinical Coordinator, College of Health Sciences, in her contribution to the discussion pointed out that the rise in the last two decades of infectious diseases which spread across local and national boundaries, pose a significant challenge to the public health system. Mrs. Goulbourne-Mills noted that within this system, the prevention and control of infection diseases is governed by the principles of protecting the health of the whole population and “preparing for and responding to disease outbreaks and promoting health care equity, quality and accessibility.” In presenting practical ways to combat infection spread, Mrs. Goulbourne-Mills highlighted, through a brief video, the various ways to reduce droplet spread from sneezing, as well as a practical guide to donning and doffing PPE. Caribbean School of Nursing Hosts Infection Control Virtual Seminar Amidst Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis