Hello colleagues –

I know I do both Infection Control and Employee Health, but lately I have had many “I am not infectious” comments from staff about when they have missed work.

I also very rarely am included in the information when an employee is out for an extended surgery, and although it is policy that when the doctor releases them to come back to work they are supposed to be cleared by Employee Health, very few of the staff has come in to check with me for being released to come back to work…

I am reminded of this with the recent orthotic boot question, as people have come back to work with boots, slings and little scooters and while I have been lucky that they are able to work in their departments, there will be a time where it will not be appropriate to allow someone to work in a certain department with these extra needs.

I just want to verify with others – do you have staff report to you if they are going to be out extended for a surgery? And do you only log “Infectious” call ins on your sick log? I feel mine should be all call ins, but maybe I am over exaggerating my role.

Tara

Tara Lee Dockery, IP, MT(ASCP), BS | Infection Preventionist and Employee Health

Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics

174 1^st Ave North | P.O. Box H | Ilwaco |WA | 98624

Phone: 360.642.6307 | Cell : 509-760-7397 | Fax: 360-642-6309 |tdockery@oceanbeachhospital.com