Supporting infection prevention in Romania: working together with Spitalul Județean de Urgență Zalău.

In countries with limited resources it is often difficult to see where improvements are being made. Our collaboration with infection prevention colleagues to prevent healthcare-associated infections at Spitalul Județean de Urgență Zalău (Zalău Emergency Hospital) has created a strong friendship between UK infection control teams and the staff at Zalău. but more importantly has raised the profile of infection prevention and control at this district general hospital in Romania. This paper describes how a project of voluntary working with this hospital has provided an enlightening experience for many of those involved, helping to strengthen leadership and communication skills and being able to engage with the Romanian staff helping them believe in their work and to achieve their vision. This paper elaborates on the poster presented at Infection Prevention 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]