Who is ultimately responsible for infection control in a facility?

The responsibility for infection control in a facility lies with everyone. This holistic approach recognizes that infection prevention is a collective effort, where every individual plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of infection.

Nurses, sterile processing technicians, managers, and all other healthcare workers contribute to maintaining a clean and safe environment. Each group has specific duties that, when performed effectively, support overall infection control strategies. For example, nurses administer care based on hygiene protocols, sterile processing technicians ensure that instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized, and managers set policies and provide resources necessary to uphold these standards.

This shared responsibility emphasizes the importance of teamwork in healthcare settings, ensuring that infection control is a priority at all levels of the organization. This collective vigilance helps to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections.