Disinfectant usage and hygiene practises at Port Moresby General Hospital

A survey was conducted during August-October 1981, to assess the need for disinfectant policy for the Port Moresby General Hospital. Data collected revealed confusion amongst the nursing staff regarding the correct use of various detergents and disinfectants, an unacceptably high incidence of post-operative infections, evidence of poor general cleaning of the hospital and evidence of contamination of the distilled water supply in the Central Sterilizing Department by Pseudomonas species. There is an urgent need for the formation of a committee to advise and promote a disinfectant policy for the hospital, to ensure that this is followed by nursing and cleaning staff and to establish continuous surveillance of hygiene standards within the hospital.