Description

Infection and its prevention have been a prime concern of mankind for a long time. Hospitals have been in existence to care for the sick and dying since 500 BC. At this time those provided by the ancient Jews depended on the literal application of the old testament laws found in Leviticus .The cleanliness associated with these early hospitals was based on religious beliefs of purity, rather than any understanding of cross-infection. After the decline of the Roman Empire, hygiene fell throughout Europe .Christianity undertook to heal the sick, and the church monopolized early medical practice with priests having the privilege of the cure of bodies as well as that of souls (pointer, 1964). Unfortunately the early Christian church was opposed to washing and condition in medieval hospitals was very poor. Infection in hospital, particularly of wounds was extremely common in the middle Ages. The term 'outreach' as it is used today covers a fairly wide range of strategies and approaches, some quite different from each other, but all aimed at providing services to those who otherwise would not come to the clinic. The idea therefore is to provide an easily accessible point of contact.