Infectious diseasesepidemiology and surveillance

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Introduction

In the absence of adequate infection control measures, the introduction of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) strains into an Acute Care Facility can result in spread to other patients and sometimes cause infection. Evidence to date suggests there is much less chance for VRE strains to spread in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) and to cause disease. This means that there should be less concern about the transfer of patients carrying VRE from Acute Care Facilities to LTCF for convalescence, rehabilitation or long-term care.

These guidelines outline measures to prevent the spread of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in acute care settings, rehabilitation facilities and in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF), including palliative care centres, nursing homes, hostels, psychiatric facilities, hospices, hospitals in the home, homes serviced by the Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) and other settings in which people colonised or infected with VRE may receive care. Basic principles of infection control for patients in these settings are provided.

Contents

• Part 1 - Introduction
• Part 2 - Guidelines for Acute Health Care Facilities
• Part 3 - Guidelines for Long-Term Care Facilities and Rehabilitation Facilities
• Part 4 - Guidelines for Preventing Emergence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
• Part 5 - References

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