WVSGH INTERNAL MEDICINE: INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL WEEK, 2024

July 8, 2024 INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL WEEK, 2024

July 8, 2024 was the first day of this year's celebration of Infection Prevention and Control Week. The IPCU or Infection Prevention and Control Unit of the Western Visayas Sanitarium joined in this celebration. This was made possible with the support of the hospital's top management from Dr. Judy Ann Dumayas, our Medical Center Chief, along with Dr. Gemma M. Suelo and Dr. Ronar Silao, CMPS and Medical-Clinical Head respectively. Also, with the untiring, and with great dedication to the program is the Infection Control Nurse, Miss Apryl Jontarciego, who really did untiringly to make the event a realization. Also, to Mrs. Eloisa Penado, Chief Nurse of some inputs to our program. Last but definitely not the least, is Dr. Elvira Sinoro, PHU head for allowing us a venue for OPD lectures.

Infection Prevention and Control emphasizes the importance of daily infection prevention practices that significantly affects the health of patients and clients, and even for the hospital staff as well. This comprises among other, correct handwashing techniques, needlestick injuries, hospital-acquired diseases, disease surveillance and institutionalized infection prevention techniques.

Infection Prevention and Control or IPC, as we call it, has always been the silent partner in patient care, but with its growing ideologies and scientific research, this once-known silent partner has now become a loud new branch of science in Medicine. But, despite its great and broad studies, IPC is still the underdog in some institutions, more reason to celebrate its cause every year so that everybody will be aware of its importance. As they say, "Infection Control is Everybody's Business."

This year's event commenced with a short introduction of the IPC Week during the flag ceremony and a picture taking in our Advocacy Desk. The Advocacy Desk aims to generate awareness with different Infection Control concepts in an enjoying way by taking selfies in our "cute" stage while discussing some IPC concepts with guests and personnel plus some simple "door" prizes.

The highlight of the event is the lecture of our in-house surgeon, Dr. Toni Caspe on Surgical Site Infections, attended by selected nurses and medical staff, including our Doctor-to-the Barrio rotators at that time. We also invited some non-medical/nursing staff from the administrative departments to widen the scope of understanding towards surgical site infections. An interactive discussion follows after the lecture. An important concept in IPC has "crossed the bridge." Apparently, this also coincides with the celebration of Surgical Site Infection Week.

Dr. Toni Caspe, giving a substancial lecture on surgical site infection, a highlight in the celebration of ICP Week, 2024. Apparently, this was also simultaneous with the celebration of Surgical Site Infection.

Overall, the celebration of the event was a success. There were many pains and challenge but all these were hurdled through. With God's intervention and grace, we emerged victorious. The God-given gifts through people, Dr. Dumayas, Dr. Suelo and Dr. Silao. Also, to Mrs. Eloisa Penado, our Chief Nurse and Miss Apryl Jontarciego and members of the WVSGH IPCU.

Pictorial after the flag ceremony at the Advocacy Desk. L-R: Noriel Gumban (procurement head), Grace Piamonte (cash operations), Junalen Capanang (nurse supervisor), Apryl Jontarciego (ICN), Dr. Elvira Sinoro (PHU/OPD Head), Dr. Gemma Suelo (CMPS), Dr. Judy Ann Dumayas (Medical Center Chief), Dr. Owen Poral (author, IM Specialist, IPC Head), Dr. Ronar Silao (Medical-Clinical Head)

Photo-ops with the Department of Family and Community Medicine headed by Dr. Renia Salapare (Department Chair), and Dr. Edene Sumalacay-Jamoyot (Training Officer of DFCM)

Dr. Sheila Dequito, Head of Department of Pediatrics posed well during the said event. This pose reflects her finesse both in her work as a pediatrician and her undying advocacy toward infection prevention and control

Photo-ops with residents of DFCM (Drs. Pedregosa, Bullo, and Horlador) centered by our speaker, Dr. Toni Caspe. This is a post-lecture photo-op. Enjoying the success of the event, with the author and Miss Apryl Jontarciego

Showcasing some the winners during a mini raffle draw: a nice cacha bag exclusive for WVSGH IPC Week Celebration, 2024

Big wigs of the NSO, Mam Jun, Sir Mike, and Mam Libs. Taking part in the celebration. "Until next event, guys!"

With our NSO Chief Nurse, Mrs Eloisa Penado, giving out the certificate to Dr. Toni Caspe for an enlightening and informative lecture on Surgical Site Infection or SSI

Maam Prechie of Medical-Clinical Service office, and Maam Ann of the DOTS clinic. Showing their support for the IPC

With Dr. Elvira Sinoro, PHU and OPD Head, giving her support for the IPC and IPCU of WVSGH. She has always been an instrument to our various programs. "Thanks for the help, Doc."