Infection prevention and control is a priority for our Trust. It's a vitally important part of keeping our patients and staff safe.
Our hospitals have a dedicated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team and they advise on the best ways to reduce the risk of infection for patients, visitors and staff.
Please help us to help you by following the guidance below.
Wash your hands in soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds:
- before and after visiting someone in hospital
- after you use the toilet or change a nappy
- before eating or drinking
- after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- if your hands are visibly dirty
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
Our staff don’t mind being asked if they have washed their hands – please feel free to check.
Remember to catch it, bin it, kill it:
- Germs spread easily. Use a tissue to catch your cough or sneeze
- Germs live for several hours on tissues. Bin used tissues as quickly as possible
- Hands transfer germs to every surface you touch. Wash your hands as soon as you can
Do not visit or accompany someone in hospital if you have:
- a cough
- cold
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- or any other infectious condition.
Please adhere to the times and numbers of visitors allowed in our ward guidelines. Also, please follow guidance on preventing infection and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if advised by staff.
These steps help us to protect all patients from increased risks of infection. If in doubt call the ward for advice.
Report any problems, such as litter or spillages, to staff.
Help to keep surfaces, such as patients’ bed tables, clear so they can be cleaned.
Please do not bring food in for patients without checking first with the ward staff.
If you have questions or concerns about Infection Prevention and Control, please speak to a member of staff.
