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Today is International Women\u2019s Day 2021 \u2013 a day to acknowledge and celebrate women\u2019s achievements and recognise that we all have a part to play in creating a more inclusive world.<\/p>\nToday is International Women\u2019s Day 2021 \u2013 a day to acknowledge and celebrate women\u2019s achievements and recognise that we all have a part to play in creating a more inclusive world.<\/p>\n
To mark the day, we speak with three women at The Royal Children\u2019s Hospital who have been particularly vital over the past year \u2013 Kate O\u2019Donaghue, Jane Tomlinson and Kareena Johnson, our Infection Prevention and Control Clinical Nurse Consultants.<\/p>\n
\u201cPart of our role is reviewing infections in patients. Last year was particularly busy as we risk assessed every patient who was confirmed to have COVID-19 and performed contact tracing \u2013 including staff, patients and any family or visitors. During our peak we were receiving hundreds of phone calls and emails each day,\u201d Kate said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had many conversations with healthcare workers including those who had to quarantine. The staff were amazing and they completely understood what they needed to do and the important role they were playing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even with the large volume of work over the past year, the team still find time to reflect on the highlights.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was important to support everyone through such a difficult time including each other. The teamwork in general was a highlight as well as working with all the clinicians and managers,\u201d Kate said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs lockdown was coming to an end our team member, Greta Van Kerkwijk, welcomed a baby girl.\u00a0 Celebrating special milestones like these were so meaningful in 2020.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another benefit noted by the team was their increased exposure and awareness of the role they play at the hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are aware of Infection Prevention and Control, but even more so you notice it in a time like COVID-19.\u00a0 Colleagues approached us in the hallway, in the lifts, checking in to make sure we were okay. They know who we are as a team and we’re able to be more present and visible to the hospital,\u201d Kareena said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve worked extraordinarily well together despite the challenges of the last year. Everyone contributed to making our hospital and the community a safer place. We have advocates in all different areas for infection prevention,\u201d Kate said.<\/p>\n