Are we learning from the past?

Over the years, there has been a change in mindset in terms of the specialty of infection prevention, but what can we learn from the past? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports on the EM Cottrell lecture at the Infection Prevention Society’s annual congress.

Over the years, there has been a change of mindset in terms of the specialty of infection prevention. While we need to look to the future, ‘what can we learn from the past?’ Carole Fry asked at the recent Infection Prevention Society annual conference. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Each year, the EM Cottrell Lecture provides an opportunity for reflection, in recognition of the contribution of the first ‘whole-time infection control sister’, appointed in 1959. This year, Carole Fry, interim lead for infection prevention and control, and a nurse advisor on communicable diseases for the Department of Health (DH) delivered a presentation entitled: “What did the Romans ever do for us?” 

During her presentation, she provided a critique of the changes in clinical practice that have occurred in her career as an infection control nurse – from the introduction of universal precautions in 1988 to protect healthcare workers from HIV, to the lessons learned from the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. 

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.

Latest Issues

AfPP Newcastle Regional Conference

Herschel Building, Newcastle University
26th April 2025

GS1 UK Healthcare Conference

QEII Centre, London Westminster
29th – 30th April 2025

Infection Prevention and Control 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
29th – 30th April 2025

Decontamination and Sterilisation 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
29th April 2025

Scottish Intensive Care Society Conference 2025

Crieff Hydro Hotel, Scotland
1st - 2nd May 2025

AfPP Plymouth Regional Conference

TBC, Plymouth
10th May 2025