THE INCREASING ROLE OFVENTILATION MAINTENANCE IN NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION CONTROL IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

摘要

This article deals with the nature, extent and status of airborne transmission of nosocomial infections, highlighting the currently prevailing drawbacks in maintaining the HVAC systems and training in a hospital setting. Suggesting a few recommendations in the design strategy and current HVAC maintenance in hospitals, the author brings out some recent advances which could be adapted for better control of hospital cross infections through enhanced HVAC system maintenance. The design strategies must be discussed in depth and supported by full integration of the hospital management, engineering and technical resources. Reiterating the dire need to keep pace with the rapidly changing technological advances all round, more particularly in HVAC engineering techniques, the role of maintenance is brought to the forefront. The pros and cons of a more sophisticated technology are highlighted, bringing out, inter-alia, the need for simplicity, ease of operation at the plant level to facilitate continuing maintenance.