Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important threat to patient safety. The CDC estimates that, on any given day in the US, about one in 25 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection. Nearly 2 million US patients a year acquire an HAI and 90,000 of these patients die as a result. Preventing HAIs is a key part of ensuring patient safety and is the primary goal of the Infection Prevention Program.
The Rochester Regional Infection Prevention program covers five acute care hospitals and six long-term care facilities. Infection Prevention works to:
- Prevent healthcare-associated infections
- Manage infectious exposure events
- Support infection prevention-related work of all staff
- Minimize occupational exposures to pathogens
- Educate staff, patients and visitors about infection prevention policies and procedures
- Promote evidence-based practices to minimize infection risks to staff, patients and visitors
Melissa Bronstein, MPA, BSN, RN, CIC
Director, Infection Prevention & Control Melissa is the System Director for Infection Prevention for Rochester Regional Health. She works with Infection Preventionists at all facilities in the RRH system to promote consistent, evidence-based practices to minimize risk of infection to patients and staff. Melissa is an active member of APIC and is the immediate past president of Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter 107.