Protecting patients, staff, and visitors through evidence-based infection prevention practices.
Submit an infection-related incident or concern
Access IPCU guidelines, SOPs, and resources
Staff education, modules, and competency resources
Infection data, trends, and outbreak monitoring
The Infection Prevention & Control Unit (IPCU) at the University Hospital of the West Indies is dedicated to reducing healthcare-associated infections through surveillance, education, policy development, and rapid response. We work alongside clinical teams to uphold the highest standards of patient safety.
Submit an infection-related incident or concern
Access IPCU guidelines, SOPs, and resources
Staff education, modules, and competency resources
Infection data, trends, and outbreak monitoring
The Infection Prevention & Control Unit (IPCU) at the University Hospital of the West Indies is a dedicated team committed to reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across our facility. We work hand-in-hand with clinical teams, nursing staff, and hospital leadership to implement evidence-based practices that uphold the highest standards of patient safety. Our work spans surveillance, education, policy development, and rapid outbreak response — ensuring a safer environment for every patient, staff member, and visitor at UHWI.
To prevent and control healthcare-associated infections through evidence-based practice, education, and collaboration.
A safer healthcare environment where infection risks are minimized for every patient, staff member, and visitor.
Patient and staff safety is our highest priority
Grounded in science and best practice
Collaborating with clinical teams across UHWI
Treating all individuals with dignity and care
Open communication about risks and outcomes
Continuous education and improvement
If you observe an infection prevention or control concern — no matter how minor it may seem — please report it immediately. Every report you submit helps the IPCU take swift action to protect patients, colleagues, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections. Your vigilance is our first line of defence.
Ward, unit, or area where the concern was observed
e.g. Hand hygiene, PPE use, isolation precautions, waste disposal, environmental cleanliness
Brief description of the concern observed
Any steps already taken to address the concern
Name and role — optional, anonymous reporting is available
Staff submits concern via this form or directly to the IPCU
IPCU acknowledges receipt within 24 hours
Concern is reviewed and investigated by the IPC team
Corrective measures are implemented where required
Reporter is informed of outcome (if not anonymous)
Issue is tracked to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence
This page provides up-to-date infection alerts and precaution guidance for staff, patients, and visitors at UHWI. All guidance aligns with UHWI IPCU protocols and national and international public health standards. Check regularly for the latest updates.
Strict contact and droplet precautions. Full PPE (gown, gloves, face shield, N95). Isolate immediately. Notify IPCU and MOH.
Contact and droplet precautions. Isolate suspected cases. PPE required for direct care. Report to IPCU.
Airborne precautions. N95 respirator mandatory. Negative pressure room required. Refer to respiratory isolation protocol.
Airborne precautions. Isolate immediately. Verify vaccination status of exposed staff. Notify IPCU within 1 hour.
Contact precautions. Gloves and gown for all care. Soap and water handwashing only (alcohol gel ineffective). Enhanced cleaning with sporicidal agent.
Contact precautions. Gown and gloves. Screen high-risk patients on admission. Decolonisation protocol available.
Contact precautions. Isolate or cohort patients. Notify IPCU for risk assessment and screening guidance.
Standard precautions at all times. Sharps safety mandatory. Post-exposure protocol available from IPCU.
All patients, all times: hand hygiene, PPE based on risk, safe sharps disposal
Gown + gloves for all contact; dedicated equipment; limit patient movement
Surgical mask within 1m; patient mask during transport; single room preferred
N95 respirator; negative pressure room; minimise staff entry
This page provides access to all IPCU policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), clinical tools, and reference documents. All documents are reviewed and approved by the IPCU and align with national and international infection prevention and control standards.
Hand hygiene, environmental, and bundle compliance audits
Standard operating procedures for all IPC activities
Signage for isolation rooms, hand hygiene, and PPE
Infection risk assessments for procedures and environments
The IPCU provides evidence-based training and certification programmes for all UHWI staff. From orientation to advanced competency, our education resources equip healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to prevent and control infection effectively.
View available training dates and formats — in-person, online, or blended learning.
Complete the registration form or contact the IPCU training coordinator directly.
Receive a confirmation email with session details and pre-reading materials.
Complete the session and pass the competency assessment.
Receive your certificate by email; stored automatically in your training record.
Automatic reminder sent 4 weeks before your certification expires.
Digital certificates issued on successful completion of all assessed programmes.
All completions logged centrally; accessible to managers on request.
Automated reminders for annual renewals — Hand Hygiene, PPE, and Orientation.
The IPCU conducts ongoing surveillance of healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and hand hygiene compliance across UHWI. Our reports support clinical decision-making, quality improvement, and accountability at all levels of the organisation.
Available to all staff, patients, and visitors
Available to all UHWI employees (login required)
Available to clinical leads, managers, and IPCU team only
Current month's HAI incidence data — Staff access 🔵
Latest compliance rates by ward — Public 🟢
Most recent annual report — Public 🟢
Monthly IPCU operational summary — Restricted 🔴
The IPCU delivers a broad range of infection prevention and control services across UHWI — from frontline surveillance and outbreak response to staff education, environmental safety, and quality improvement. We work with every department to reduce infection risk and protect everyone in our care.
Continuous monitoring of healthcare-associated infections including CLABSI, CAUTI, VAP, and SSI. We collect, analyse, and report infection data to drive targeted prevention efforts across all wards and units.
Rapid identification and investigation of infection clusters and outbreaks. The IPCU coordinates containment measures, communicates with clinical teams, and reports to the Ministry of Health where required.
Promotion and monitoring of hand hygiene compliance using the WHO 5 Moments framework. We conduct regular audits, provide feedback to wards, and support improvement initiatives to meet national targets.
Oversight of environmental cleaning standards across UHWI, including terminal cleaning protocols, disinfectant approval, and risk-zone cleaning schedules. We work closely with housekeeping and facilities teams.
Support for staff following needlestick injuries, blood and body fluid exposures, and other occupational infection risks. We provide post-exposure guidance, coordinate prophylaxis, and manage follow-up.
Delivery of IPC training programmes for all staff groups — from mandatory orientation to specialist competency assessments. We also support link nurses and champions across clinical departments.
Development, review, and dissemination of evidence-based IPC policies and standard operating procedures. All policies are aligned with national guidelines and international best practice.
Leading and supporting quality improvement projects to reduce infection rates and improve patient outcomes. The IPCU contributes to local and national research and participates in benchmarking initiatives.
The IPCU website has been designed to give staff, patients, and visitors fast, reliable access to infection prevention resources. The site is being rolled out in phases — starting with core information and reporting tools, and expanding into interactive dashboards, certification tracking, and advanced staff resources.
Welcome, current alerts, and quick access navigation
Mission, vision, core values, and team overview
Staff reporting form and report-to-resolution workflow
Active alerts and priority infection guidance
IPC policy hub, SOPs, and quick tools
Programmes, registration, and certification
Data categories, access levels, and downloads
Full service overview and partnerships
Every page serves a clear need for staff, patients, or visitors
Designed to meet accessibility standards across all devices
Role-based access for sensitive reports and staff resources
Regularly updated to reflect current guidance and data