Open Letter to Infection Control Practitioners

To Our Fellow Infection Prevention Colleagues:

Every year, more than two million hospital patients in the U.S. contract infections, and nearly 100,000 die from them. The death toll is higher from such infections than from AIDS and auto accidents combined. We at Covidien have seen a heightened public awareness and concern about patient safety and infection prevention within hospitals. You, as committed healthcare professionals, possess the knowledge, expertise, and passion that is invaluable in meeting the challenges present in the delivery of health care.

While significant advances have been made, preventing infections in today’s healthcare environment has become increasingly complex. Hospitals are housing higher acuity patients, requiring copious invasive devices. Advancements in technology and more aggressive treatments have led to more immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, drug-resistant pathogens are spreading from hospitals to communities and communities to hospitals at unprecedented rates, becoming stronger, more elusive and deadlier than ever before.

Antibiotic resistance, latex sensitivity and hand hygiene, are all part of the ever-changing role of healthcare professionals involved in infection prevention and patient safety. These professionals have readily responded to the challenges presented by new diseases, emerging pathogens, new technology, and increasing regulatory standards. With increased demands on patient safety, not only are all healthcare workers being required to play new roles in infection control and prevention; the responsibilities are spreading to patients, government, information technology, and distributors of healthcare products. This collaboration among professionals is imperative to reduce adverse outcomes for patients and the healthcare workers who care for them.

Not all healthcare associated infections are preventable. However, new technologies have been successful in reducing these infections such as bacterial resistant Foley catheters, advances in aseptic and sterile techniques, and antimicrobial dressings. Understanding the challenges healthcare professionals face, Covidien is committed to providing the support and products to make it easier for our clinical partners to prevent complications. We are excited to partner with you to help fight this battle plaguing our healthcare community!

Signed,

Your Partners in Infection Prevention

Covidien Infection Control Specialists  

* References on file