Contact with contaminated water in hospitals is an increasingly common reason for Pseudomonas infection.
Pseudomonas is a serious issue for hospitals in particular as it is resistant to many forms of antibiotics and can be easily spread by those infected, those who’ve been in contact with any equipment, as well as anyone who’s picked up the bacteria from a water source.
The bacteria can attack both patients and healthy visitors or staff, though it’s far more likely to infect someone with a weakened immune system, perhaps through a burn or wound, or during a surgical procedure. Those attached to catheters or breathing machines that haven’t been suitably decontaminated are susceptible to blood, bone and urinary tract infections caused by Pseudomonas. The most common signs that the bacteria have infiltrated a patient are fever and increased fatigue, though how this manifests depends entirely on the point of contact. For example, the bacteria can cause rashes if on the surface of the skin and eye infections if it enters the eye, perhaps on a contact lens.
Preventing such an infection from becoming too prevalent is important to keep hospital patients and staff healthy. Doctors and nurses must keep to a strict regimen of hand-washing and deep-cleaning of equipment to remove any lingering bacteria and stop build-up.
It is ultimately, however, the responsibility of facilities/estate managers to ensure that hospitals are kept clean and sterile, with regular flushing and monitoring procedures in place. A properly-maintained water system is then far less likely to be a source of infections than a natural body of water, which is important for those who need medical assistance on a regular basis.
We deliver a one-day
Introduction To Pseudomonas Aeruginosa course which is an ideal course for Facility/Estate Managers to learn everything they can about the bacteria and how build-up can be prevented. This course is accredited by City & Guilds and provides participants with detailed insights into water management and hygiene practices that are effective at limiting the risk of bacteria like Pseudomonas.
If you or your team are involved in the running of healthcare or leisure facilities, please feel free to contact our Account Managers on
0333 121 1215 or email
info@ppltraining.co.uk to see if we can meet your specific requirements.
