Analysis of occupational exposures among emergency department medical and nursing staff in a Victorian teaching hospital

摘要

Background: In 2013, an outbreak of van B vancomycin resistant enterococcus(VRE) involved the colonisation of 44 babies across the multisite neonatalservice. Following that outbreak, we implemented a novel cleaning methodology that did not involve chemical use. However, consideration was required,for very premature babies, at risk of exposure to increased noise levels.Methods: Over a 2 year period, microfibre-steam technology was implemented. During implementation, noise levels were monitored and VREscreening continued at 6 monthly intervals.Results: Noise levels did not exceed limits for babies in isolettes but those inopen cots were at risk of exposure to levels above 50 decibels. In 2016 one babywas identified with van A VRE. No other babies became colonised with VRE.Conclusion: Application of ear muffs, for babies in open cots, reducedexposure to noise levels during steam cleaning. Cleaning without chemicalsis a safe and effective cleaning option for vulnerable populations.