Infection Control, Clinical Compliance and Patient Safety team welcomes new Infection Preventionist

The Infection Control, Clinical Compliance and Patient Safety team at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital recently welcomed Margaret Holmes, MSPH, CIC, to the role of Infection Preventionist.

Holmes studied Criminalistics and Criminal Science at Northeastern University before pursuing her Master of Science Public Health in Environmental Toxicology/Epidemiology at Tulane University. She comes to BWFH from Tufts Medical Center where she served as the Infection Preventionist for the last two years. Prior to that, she was a long-time member of the Mass General Brigham family. In fact, she started her career at Massachusetts General Hospital as the Infectious Diseases Laboratory Manager.

In her new role, Holmes will work closely with the entire Infection Control, Clinical Compliance and Patient Safety team, including Associate Hospital Epidemiologist Roger Clark, DO, to help prevent the spread of infection at BWFH. She will keep track of patients who are on precautions to ensure all necessary measures are in place to prevent the spread of infection. She will also audit signage, hand hygiene practices and PPE use by staff and provide necessary education when needed. Finally, she will investigate any and all hospital-acquired infections and report them to the National Healthcare Safety Network if needed. “This role isn’t about dictating anything,” she says. “It’s about learning and listening. I am always learning, trying to keep up with the latest science. And I am always listening to our staff. I’m looking forward to engaging with the frontline staff. They are busy taking care of all our patients’ needs so they have great ideas that take efficiency into account.” 

Holmes sees herself as an advocate for our patients. “Patient safety is really important,” she says.
“I’m eager to do a great job for the patients and the people I work with.”

When she is not at work, Holmes enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dogs. She says she is thrilled to come to the Mass General Brigham system, but particularly happy to be here at BWFH. “I’m a tree person,” she says. “Our location right here next to the Arnold Arboretum could not be more perfect for me!”

Published 10/27/22