Infection control measures
Patient placement
To decrease the risk of transmission of VRE to other patients within the wards, it is important to include the following in planning patient placement:
> a single room with ensuite facilities or dedicated bathroom is preferred (especially if the patient has risk factors for dissemination as listed on page 5). However, if these facilities are not available then a shared bathroom can be used provided it is cleaned and disinfected more frequently
> cohorting of patients with VRE may be considered in certain situations in consultation with the infection control coordinator. If there are limited facilities for isolation, priority should be given to isolating those patients with conditions that may facilitate transmission
> signage indicating the need for contact precautions and the use of appropriate PPE should be placed outside of the patient room. Appropriate signage can be accessed from: http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-associated-infection/national-infection-control-guidelines/
> geographic separation of VRE and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) patients is highly recommended
> a non-carpeted area is required.