Beaumont Health shares infection prevention resources

In response to the public’s concerns regarding highly communicable diseases like influenza and the Ebola virus, newly formed Beaumont Health has developed a new infection prevention community webpage providing a variety of informational and educational resources.

As one of the first tangible community benefits of the creation of the new Beaumont Health organization, this new interactive resource is a tool for residents to learn more about the origins and prevention of infectious diseases. The webpage focuses on the overall safety and well-being of patients and hospital staff members, providing up-to-date information about the precautions to take in order to prevent the spread of germs, like getting vaccinated and frequent hand washing.

The page also highlights Beaumont Health’s efforts to prepare to handle any patients who may present with Ebola-like symptoms.

“Although the risk of an Ebola outbreak in the United States is extremely low, we are thoughtfully, diligently and carefully preparing our response to a potential Ebola patient,” says Maureen D’Agostino, senior vice president, Quality, Service and Performance Excellence, Oakwood Healthcare, and chair of Beaumont Health’s Ebola Steering Committee. “Our top priority is maintaining a safe environment for our staff and the patients and communities we serve. That’s why we felt a page like this was important.”

In addition to influenza and Ebola, the webpage includes background information, facts from physicians, and news articles, videos and photos featuring experts from Beaumont Health offering health precautions and practical advice for staying healthy. The site also includes links to important information from trusted local, state and national health partners, including the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services among others.

For more information or to view the site, visit www.beaumonthealth.org/infection-prevention.

Beaumont Health is a not-for-profit organization formed by Beaumont Health System, Botsford Health Care and Oakwood Healthcare to provide high-quality, efficient, accessible services in a caring environment for southeastern Michigan residents and beyond. As one of Beaumont Health’s eight hospitals, Botsford Hospital is a multi-specialty 330-bed hospital and verified trauma center located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The campus also houses an imaging center, a comprehensive care cancer center and an extensive medical education program---part of Michigan State University’s Statewide Campus System. Annually, Botsford cares for about 16,000 inpatients and more than 60,000 emergency and trauma patients with a team of approximately 2,500 employees, 300 volunteers and 600 physicians.

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