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Dear Editor;
Today I received a letter from Upland Hills Health requesting a donation toward a new UV-C disinfection system. I enthusiastically wrote a check to send to them, and I urge you to do so also.
As a former Certified Infection Control Practitioner, I recognize how important this new technology is for disinfecting, especially in the face of increasing COVID-19 cases. Cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection are the basis of maintaining the patient care environment. This new system is an important new tool in the infection control armament.
This system is not just important in the COVID-19 environment but is also an important tool for disinfection in the face of other infectious agents such as C-difficile ("C-diff"), MRSA, and tuberculosis. C-diff is an organism I had personal experience with (and never wish to have again) and is so easily passed from one patient to another. My husband was positive for MRSA so frequently after his initial infection (not hospital acquired). Tens of thousands of dollars were spent for PPE during his multiple hospitalizations. These organisms are so easily transmissible that it only takes the tiniest break in technique to spread the infection. This UV-C disinfection system is a great improvement in technology for infection control.
If you have received a letter from UHH, I urge you to make a donation. Even if you didn't get a letter, I urge you to make a donation. $25, or even $5 or $10 would help. UHH is so important to this community. Please consider a donation toward this equipment to protect patients and staff during this challenging time.
Nancy L. Caldwell
Former Assistant Administrator
for Patient Care Services,
Upland Hills Health
Blanchardville