The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) released the 2012 Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) Hospital Report and the 2012 Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Report based on data from the 31 hospitals and 27 ASCs in the State. The reports, mandated by law, look at the rates of specific HAIs. For hospitals, central line–associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and surgical site infections following heart, colon, abdominal hysterectomy, and knee surgeries are reported. For ASCs, surgical site infections following breast, hernia, and open reduction of fracture procedures are reported.
The reports also provide data on hospitals’ and ASCs’ compliance with measures that are put in place to protect patients from acquiring infections. These data include infection prevention practices during central line insertions in hospitals, the appropriate use of antimicrobials during surgical procedures in hospitals and ASCs, and influenza vaccination rates among hospital and ASC staff.
To view the reports,visit http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/hai/publications.htm