SANITARY ENGINEER IN THE CONTEXT OF PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS

In this paper we discuss about the scope of sanitary engineering regarding the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in Slovenia. The jurisdiction of the Health Inspectorate and the findings of inspection in this field for a period of three years (2011-2013) are presented. The profile of sanitary engineer has gained an equal place in the prevention and control of hospital acquired infections and plays an important role in the development of the field today. In the future, the challenge for all included of the program of prevention and control of hospital acquired infections, will be development and improvement of approaches in terms of providing safety for patients. New approaches include or will include upgrading control, including standard procedures to prevent infections, better education system and sufficient informed patients. We will need to invest in appropriate research and innovation with a view to a proper understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of newly emerging infectious diseases and resistant microorganisms. Consequently development of new methods in diagnostics, the pharmaceutical industry and the preparation of new vaccines will be future needs.