Dr. Donald A. Pocock is Guest Speaker at Rotary Club of Clearwater's Meeting
Photo by Dennis Eckel Dr. Donald A. Pocock, Chief Medical Officer, Morton Plant Mease Health Care, spoke recently to the Rotary Club of Clearwater about the prevalence and treatment of infectious diseases, including MRSA, C-Diff and Influenza, (Flu). Attorney Tom Nash introduced Dr. Pocock to Rotarians at the regular Wednesday noon meeting at the Belleair Country Club, as being responsible for Quality Assurance, Infection Control, Patient Safety and overseeing the re-credentialing of nearly 1100 physicians and 400 allied health providers every two years at Morton Plant Mease. Pocock advised that to prevent contacting any of the dangerous infectious diseases, wash our hands with soap and water, before and after any contact with people. Avoid skin-to-skin contact, which includes kissing, hugging, shaking hands. Sneezing, coughing, even talking can spread diseases from infected individuals. Face Masks are helpful, but not the ones purchased for dust control. Check the Medical Equipment stores for purchasing facemasks that are effective against germs and virus. Visitors to hospitals carry in diseases, and if they do not properly wash upon leaving the hospital, can carry disease into their home or to the public. Young children are especially susceptible to the flu virus and those who have reduced immunity due to various health problems. Dr. Pocock stated that we should wash our hands before and after we are in contact with people. Always wash the hands after being at the grocery store or anywhere in public. Individuals can be carriers of infection, and not be aware they are capable of spreading virus or bacteria infections to others. Dr. Pocock advised getting the standard annual flu shot and also any inoculations that are developed later for newer flu occurrences.
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