The Infection Prevention & Control Committee (IPCC) of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, organized a comprehensive training programme for members of staff across the various departments of the hospital.
The one-day training, which took place at the new lecture hall of the College of Nursing Sciences, Uselu site, focused on critical topics such as, Hand Hygiene Practices: the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Waste Segregation, and Environmental Hygiene. The theme of the training programme, “Safe Hands, Safe Gear, Safe Waste, Safe Environment”, reflects the hospital’s commitment to promoting best practices in infection prevention and control.
The training was well-attended by professionals from divers fields including doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, dieticians, environmental health officers, social welfare officers, administrative staff, and health attendants.
The Medical Director, Dr Imafidon O. Agbonile, who was represented by the Acting Head of Clinical Services, Dr G.O. Owie, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of the IPCC’s role in continuously sensitizing staff on ways to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings. He noted that beyond treating patients, healthcare workers must also actively protect themselves, patients, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Administration, Mrs C.C.O. Isede, commended the hospital management for its proactive stance in organizing regular capacity-building sessions for staff. She encouraged the participants to make the most of the training and apply the knowledge gained to enhance safety standards in their respective units.
In her presentation, Dr A.O. Archibong, Head, Child & Adolescent Unit and Acting Chairman of the hospital’s IPCC, delivered a lecture on Hand Hygiene Practices, citing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition and emphasizing its vital role in breaking the chain of infection. She outlined the benefits of proper hand hygiene, including the prevention of HAIs, protection of patients and staff, reduction in the spread of drug-resistant organisms, and reinforcement of professional responsibility in patient care.
Additional lectures were delivered by Mrs E. Ikpo, Head, Medical Laboratory Unit, who spoke on Waste Segregation, and Mrs Idowu Abiodun, who addressed Waste Management Strategies. A practical demonstration on the correct use and removal of personal protective equipment was conducted by Dr C.K. Ebare, further enhancing participants’ understanding through hands-on experience.
Some of the attendees who spoke with the hospital’s Information Unit described the training as insightful and impactful. They praised the hospital management and the IPCC for their dedication to improving infection control measures and ensuring a safer healthcare environment for all.
Information and Public Relations Unit