The Infectious Diseases Unit

Established in 2016, the Infectious Diseases Unit at Augusta Victoria Hospital is the first of its kind in Palestine. The unit aims to follow scientific methods and develop accurate mechanisms to identify and contain antibiotic-resistant germs and infections, as well as implement methods to limit their spread among patients. The unit also conducts courses, programs, and lectures to educate employees on preventing the spread of infection and focuses on the safety of both patients and staff. 

The unit consists of three committees: The Infection Control Committee, the Committee to Rationalize Antibiotic Consumption, and the Occupational Health Committee.

The Infection Control Committee generates monthly statistics and provides education on antibiotics to medical staff through periodic activities and lectures. It also monitors closely patients receiving antibiotics and offer consultations to patients in need of antibiotics. The committee monitors the proper administration of antibiotics in the hospital and produces monthly reports on the rate of antibiotic distribution and the results of patient follow-up after receiving antibiotics. 

The Infectious Diseases Unit uses scientific methods to create work mechanisms, including developing a strategy based on the evaluation of risks such as the coronavirus, antibiotic-resistant germs, and monkeypox, setting laws and indicators, tracking hospital infections and creating corrective plans based on established indicators, and providing feedback to departments.

The unit is a pioneer at the national level, leading a national project with the Palestinian Ministry of Health involving approximately 30 other hospitals to rationalize antibiotic consumption and improve methods for preventing and controlling the spread of infection, as well as training and standardizing methods for diagnosing germs in participating hospitals.