The development of an infection control link-nurse programme in a district general hospital

Management of hospital-acquired infection is costly, and a vital part of risk management. It is also closely linked with the quality of patient care. Information regarding hospital-acquired infection is increasingly being sought by both purchasers and providers. This paper describes the setting up and development of an infection control link-nurse system over a four-year period in a district general hospital. It gives practical details of methodology and problems encountered. Emphasis is given to the incorporation of infection control principles into ward and departmental standard setting. Having set up the system, subsequent monitoring of the process by a clinical audit programme is described. The importance of the responsibility of staff, at ward and departmental level, in high-level infection control practice is discussed.