Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), are infections that patients can get after having medical or surgical treatments. These infections can happen when needles and tubes are inserted through a person's skin. The insertion of needles and devices provides a pathway for bacteria and other organisms to enter the bloodstream and lungs.
Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have the highest risk of HAIs because of the number of procedures they undergo and the seriousness of their health problems. HAIs can aggravate a patient's illness and lengthen their stay in the hospital. They also can be passed on to other individuals.
These infections may include:
Central line-associated bloodstream (CLAB) infections
Mediastinitis, a surgical site infection following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
The Department of Health will publish on their website infection rates for CLAB infections in intensive care units. The reports will be updated every six months with the most recent four quarters of data.
Additionally, the department will report only aggregate statewide CABG surgical infection rates. Data will be reported through the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).