Rates of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Infection at NEMHC
VRE can be acquired within the hospital (HA) or from the community (CA). The rate of VRE infection is calculated as a rate per 1000 patient days. The rate is calculated by taking the total number of new HA cases each month and dividing by the total number of patient days each month multiplied by 1000. The total patient days represents a sum of the number of days during which services were provided to all inpatients during that given time period.
Although VRE can cause a number of different infections, as recommended by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, only blood stream infections will be reported at this time.
Number of hospital acquired VRE infection for months listed below:
North Bay Site B - 162 beds
Month |
VRE Rate & Cases | Patient days |
Jul, Aug, Sept 2009 |
0 |
13,167 |
Oct, Nov, Dec 2009 |
0 |
11,701 |
Jan, Feb, Mar 2010 |
0 |
11,969 |
Apr, May, June 2010 |
0 |
11,761 |
Sudbury Site A - 12 beds
Month |
VRE Rate & Cases | Patient days |
Jul, Aug, Sept 2009 |
0 |
562 |
Oct, Nov, Dec 2009 |
0 |
498 |
Jan, Feb, Mar 2010 |
0 |
330 |
Apr, May, June 2010 |
0 |
325 |
NEMHC strives for zero infections.
How NEMHC Controls Infections
- Hand washing
- Sterilization of equipment
- Environmental cleaning
- Single use of supplies
- Use of personal protective equipment (gloves and gowns) for patients with infections
- Ongoing education about VRE for employees, patients and their families
What is VRE?
Enterococci are bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines and in the female genital tract and are often found in the environmental. These bacteria can sometimes cause infections. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. When the enterococci have become resistant to this drug it is called Vancomycin enterocci or VRE.
What are the risk factors for VRE?
Risk factors for VRE acquisition include severity of underlying illness, presence of invasive devices, antibiotic use and length of hospital stay.
How will your doctor know if you have VRE?
All patients that are admitted to hospital are screened for VRE if they have recently been in another health care facility or communal residence. Screening involves swabs, with a large Q-tip, the inside of the nose, rectum and any open wounds.
How is VRE treated?
Treatment for VRE will depend on a number of factors. Your doctor is the most qualified to decide what is the best treatment for you.
How is VRE spread?
VRE is spread from one person to another by contact, usually on the hands of caregivers. VRE can be present on the caregiver's hands either from touching contaminated material excreted by the infected person or from touching articles contaminated by the skin of a person with VRE such as towels, sheets, wound dressings.
Source: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
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