Every year, more than 50,000 sick or premature babies are delivered in California’s community hospitals. Typically, these vulnerable infants have immature immune systems and are at risk for acquiring infections.
Every year, more than 50,000 sick or premature babies are delivered in California. Babies are born with immature immune systems and can’t easily fight infections.
In 2009, Riverside County Regional Medical Center implemented a program to eliminate infections in its neonatal unit. Based on best-practice research done in California hospitals, the medical staff are using sterile gloves and surgical masks when working with central IV lines.
These lines deliver life-saving medicines and nutrition to sick or premature babies. The equipment also uses special tubing to reduce the number of times a line needs to be handled.
The Result
By implementing these clinical best practices, Riverside County Regional Medical Center has reduced its annual infection rate to zero and has saved many precious lives.
