đź“… Date: Thursday, February 19
đź•’ Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
đź“Ť Location: ***NEW LOCATION*** Woodard Headquarters (9490 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63126) ***NEW LOCATION***
Overview:Â
Hospital construction and renovation projects create unique challenges for maintaining a safe care environment, particularly when it comes to preventing the spread of infectious agents. This session will explore the critical role that construction teams, healthcare engineers and infection preventionists play in safeguarding patients throughout these activities.
Participants will gain insight into the infection preventionist’s relationship and role in working with contractors through proper interventions and thorough communication within the team. The session will also address contractor responsibilities, essential infection prevention procedures, and best practices for managing risks during construction. A contractor will share real‑world perspectives on working within an active healthcare setting and implementing effective infection control measures throughout project phases. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, reduce contamination risks and support safer construction practices across Missouri healthcare facilities.
Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to identify effective methods for controlling contaminants and infectious agents during construction, renovation and maintenance activities within healthcare environments.
2. Participants will be able to explain the purpose and role of the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) and describe how it guides planning, protective measures and team accountability throughout construction projects.
3. After participating in this session, attendees should be able to differentiate between types of required containment barriers and protective measures based on project scope, risk level, and the potential impact on patient care areas.
Speakers:
Louise Jadwisiak, CPNP, MSN, RN, CIC, Infection Preventionist, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Louise Jadwisiak, CPNP, MSN, RN, CIC has been an Infection Prevention Specialist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital since 2020. In the past, she had a 14 year work history at St. Louis Children’s in both the NICU and then a position for Infection Prevention. Working as a Registered Nurse since 1993, Louise became a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at St. Louis University in 2012. During her years as a Nurse and Nurse Practitioner, she has gained experience in hospital settings, clinics, educator roles, and management positions. In her present Infection Prevention role, she is responsible for following construction and renovation projects, assists in monitoring air and water issues throughout the hospital and two outpatient surgical centers. Louise’s collaboration with Facilities and Construction Companies assists in preventing infection risks to patients, staff, and visitors. Her role supports the Environmental Service Department within the hospital at all levels of infection prevention, cleaning and sanitation.
CECs:Â 2 hours