Infection prevention and control

“Premium non nocere” is a guiding principle for healthcare personnel which, when translated into English means, “first, do no harm”. Although dating back to the early 1800’s, and despite its deficiencies as an absolute principle it still has relevance in todays healthcare setting. Patients seek out healthcare practitioners generally expecting to gain some health benefit. Unfortunately there are some patients who are the subject of harm, such as acquiring an infection.