The Infection Control Department at Adams Memorial Hospital is committed to providing a clean and safe environment for all individuals utilizing its inpatient and outpatient services. Most “germs” are harmless to us and many are actually beneficial, but a few bacteria and viruses can make us ill. It is important to learn how to prevent these disease causing “germs” from spreading person to person.

It is always a good idea to perform hand hygiene when visiting hospitalized individuals. Please feel free to use the alcohol foam outside of the patient rooms when entering or leaving the patient’s room.

The Infection Control Department at Adams Memorial Hospital provides educational in-services and participates in a proactive education program for staff. Education focuses on infectious diseases and preventing the spread of infection. The Infection Control Nurse monitors patient care areas in the hospital facility and oversees the Infection Control Programs at Woodcrest, The Village of Heritage, and Adams County Home Health Agency.

The Infection Control Department at Adams Memorial Hospital serves the community by acting as an infectious disease consultant as needed. Upon request, the infection control department provides educational in-services to interested community groups on a number of infection control topics.

In-Service Topics

Hand Hygiene

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training

Customized inservices at the request of community leaders.

Proper Hand Washing Procedure

Proper Handwashing Techniques

1. Wet all hand surfaces with warm, running water
2. Apply soap to all surfaces of the hands and lather well
3. Use brisk rubbing to dislodge “germs” from all hand surfaces, paying particular

attention to cuticles, under the fingernails, between fingers and on tops of hands
4. Wash hands for at least 15 seconds
5. Rinse hands under a steady stream of warm, running water while holding hands

downward to rinse “germs” down the drain
6. Dry hands thoroughly with a clean paper towel or warm air hand dryer
7. Use a clean paper towel to turn off the water faucet. It is a good idea to use a clean

paper towel to open the exit door of public restrooms.

Proper Use of Alcohol-based Hand Rubs

1. Apply alcohol-based gel or foam to palm of hand.
2. Rub over all surfaces of the hand, paying particular attention to cuticles, under the

fingernails and on top of the hands.
3. Continue rubbing hands together until they are dry.