Infection Control

The Infection Prevention and Control Team

The work with everyone to minimise the risk of patients, staff, and visitors developing Health Care-Associated Infections (HCAI’s).

Infection Prevention and Control is high on government and public agendas and is a key objective for East Cheshire NHS Trust.

To support the reduction of infections within the Trust the IPC Team work in collaboration with teams across the Trust and in partnership with the colleagues across our community.

We believe that reducing the risk of avoidable health care associated infections, in the healthcare environment, is everyone's responsibility.

Our aims

• To provide a clean and safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
• To ensure staff are competent by providing training in Infection, Prevention and Control.
• Reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance through robust antibiotic stewardship.

How can you help the spread of infection when visiting our sites?

• Visitors can do their bit to help cut the spread of infections by following a few simple steps and look after our vulnerable patients and loved ones:
• Any visitor who is unwell and has a respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting, should not visit the hospital unless it is necessary. If you are unsure telephone and check with the person in charge beforehand.

• All visitors should wash their hands before entering and on leaving the ward. There are sinks situated at the entrance to each ward.
• The trust follows a bare below the elbow stance and there is a strict hand hygiene expectation of all staff. If you have any concerns regarding these practices, please inform the staff in charge.
• Please do not sit on patients’ beds.
• Speak with the nursing staff before entering a side room which has is an isolation sign displayed.
• Check with the nursing staff about any food or other items you may want to bring into hospital.
• Please limit the number of items bought in for patients as clutter around the bed space can make effective cleaning of the area difficult.

How to contact us

If you require further advice or support, please contact a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Team on 01625 661597.

Antibiotic Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship refers to the actions taken to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial medications. 

Why is antimicrobial stewardship important?

Antibiotics are powerful tools for treating infections caused by bacteria, but their overuse or misuse can lead to serious problems, such as antibiotic resistance. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, infections become harder to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, and more intensive treatments.

By using antibiotics responsibly, we can ensure they remain effective for those who truly need them.

How does antimicrobial stewardship work?

Antimicrobial stewardship involves strategies designed to ensure that antibiotics are prescribed appropriately and effectively. These strategies may include:

• Accurate diagnosis: Proper identification of the infection is essential before prescribing antibiotics. Not all infections are caused by bacteria, and many can resolve on their own without antibiotics (such as viral infections like the common cold).
• Prescribing the right antibiotic: Not all antibiotics work against all types of bacteria. Stewardship programs ensure that the right antibiotic is chosen based on the specific bacteria causing the infection.
• Duration of treatment: Research shows that using antibiotics for a shorter period can still be just as effective in many cases, reducing the risk of side effects and resistance. Stewardship programs aim to minimize unnecessary use without compromising patient care.

How can you help support antimicrobial stewardship?

As a patient, there are several steps you can take to help support antimicrobial stewardship:

1. Take all the antibiotics: If you're given antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not completing the course can allow bacteria to survive and develop resistance.
2. Don't expect antibiotics: Many illnesses, especially colds, flu, and other viral infections, don’t require antibiotics.
3. Don't use leftovers: Antibiotics prescribed for one infection may not be effective for another, and incorrect use can contribute to resistance.
4. Prevent infections: Practicing good hygiene, such as handwashing and being vaccinated, can reduce your risk of infections and the need for antibiotics.

The bottom line

Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial to ensure that antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs are used wisely and effectively. By using antibiotics responsibly, you are helping to protect both your health and the future effectiveness of these life-saving medications.

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