An understanding of infection control is essential in all health-care settings, to provide a safe environment for clients, or patients, and staff. In the aged care environment this is especially so, in order to meet the required Standards. This timely book presents the information staff need in a user-friendly format, assisting the reader to gain a good understanding of how to reduce the risk of transmitting infection.

Infection control skills and knowledge are important for all health care workers. However, the focus of this book is on our aged population, rather than the acute care sector. Rapid changes to the health-care system over the last three years, including a focus on decreasing length of stay, has meant that clients are now being transferred from acute hospitals to other facilities, such as nursing homes, whilst still requiring acute care. Residential care staff need to be competent in understanding and managing infection control practices for this client group.

The information in this text is both accessible and practical for the reader, providing a sound basis for decision making that will safeguard staff, residents and visitors. The information is presented in logical sequence, beginning with an overview of infection control, and the responsibilities of the staff to themselves and to others. There is a specific section addressing the needs of the residents, including handy notes on staff responses to specific resident infection control risks. An outline of the common infectious diseases will help staff make a quick diagnosis and plan appropriate nursing interventions. Towards the back of the book, readers will find a very useful set of auditing tools for the important areas of handwashing, managing linen, care of sharps and gathering infection statistics. A sample cleaning schedule is also presented.

Kevin Kendall has practiced as an Infection Control Specialist in both the private and the public health-care sectors for many years, including the Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital in Melbourne, until its closure. Kevin has inspired and motivated many health-care workers to practice excellent infection control. His book continues that work, providing essential information and useful tools, for the staff and management of residential aged care organisations.

This text represents a significant contribution to health care-workers understanding of the infection control practices essential to the delivery of safe care to the growing residential and aged care population.  less