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The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence is Recognizing Infection Prevention Week with Community Events in Worcester

October 21, 2008 – Worcester, MA – Infection prevention awareness is taking place in Worcester this week in conjunction with the ongoing efforts of The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence (the Partnership).

While most infections occur in hospitals, the number of community acquired infections over the last five years has rapidly increased. Therefore, The Partnership is working with local organizations to raise awareness about infection prevention at various events over National Infection Prevention Week--October 19th - 25th.

Congressman James McGovern helped kick off today's event at Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) which featured interactive infection prevention demonstrations lead by healthcare students, by saying "I am very pleased to participate in this educational event today.  Raising awareness about the importance of infection prevention is an important step toward achieving better health for ourselves and our community."

The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping Massachusetts consumers improve the quality of health care they and their families receive.  The Partnership has a 50-member Leadership Council that includes physician leaders, nurses, hospitals, public health and patient advocates, providers, insurers, business leaders, as well as representatives from civic and community organizations from across the state.  

Following the kickoff event at Quinsigamond Community College, The Partnership will be sponsoring the following local events: 

• Great Brook Valley Health Center will hold infection prevention demonstrations for staff and patients on Thursday (10/23) and Friday (10/24).
• The Hanover Insurance Company will distribute infection prevention materials and conduct demonstrations for employees during health care open enrollment sessions throughout the week in partnership with the UMass Memorial Community Wellness Program. 
• The City of Worcester School Committee passed a resolution declaring it Infection Prevention Week in the public schools; infection prevention demonstrations will take place in health classes throughout the school system; an infection prevention PSA will play in schools; and Athletic Directors will distribute infection prevention materials to athletes participating in school sports teams.
• Local employers will send over 8,000 emails to employees on infection prevention.

"Steps as simple as washing hands properly or keeping exercise equipment clean can prevent a vast array of infections that could otherwise become serious medical problems." said Marilyn Schlein Kramer, Executive Director of the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence.  "The awareness events being held throughout this coming week aim to educate and inform consumers about steps they can take to avoid infections in their homes, schools, and in hospitals."  

"The need for what the Partnership is doing is clear.  Every person should strive to know as much as possible about preserving their health at home and in the community," said Gail Carberry, President of Quinsigamond Community College.  "We are honored to be working with the Partnership to educate our students and our faculty on this important issue."

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ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence is the first statewide effort of its kind to focus specifically on patients – helping them to play a greater role in improving the quality of their health care.  The Partnership is a broad-based coalition with participants from every segment of the health care community.  Its members include consumer associations, disease and advocacy organizations, doctors, nurses, insurers, business groups, labor, public health advocates and other health care leaders.   For more information, including a complete listing of members of the Leadership Council, please visit www.partnershipforhealthcare.org.

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