Infection Control & Prevention

Bonnie Saunders, BSN, RN, Director

(912) 375-7781 ext. 300



Jeff Davis Hospital's Department of Infection Control & Prevention promotes patient safety by reducing the risk of acquiring and transmitting infections. The Infection Control Department is made up an Infection Prevention nurse.

Risk assessment, prevention, control, and surveillance

Jeff Davis Hospital Infection Control program includes the following areas:

An annual risk assessment to prioritize our efforts to eliminate infections
Prevention - proper hand hygiene, immunizations (flu, Hepatitis B, and Pertussis vaccine),      prevention of surgical site infections, proper coughing and sneezing techniques
Control - MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Surveillance-problem-oriented situations
Education - provide orientation and continuing education on the principles and practices of      infection prevention and control to all persons carrying on activities in the hospital
Encouraging patients to speak up

The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, together with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), launched a national campaign in March 2002 urging patients to take a role in preventing health care errors and becoming active, involved, and informed participants of the health care team. In accordance with the Speak Up™ program initiatives, Jeff Davis Hospital encourages patients and their families to speak up if they have questions or concerns, and if they don't understand, to ask again. The Speak Up™ program features brochures.

Pandemic flu plan

Jeff Davis Hospital has designed a pandemic plan that will ensure the Jeff Davis County Healthcare is prepared to implement an effective response before a pandemic arrives, throughout the response if an outbreak does occur, and after the pandemic is over.