Infection control

Infection Prevention and Control. Reducing the risk of avoidable health care associated infections in the healthcare environment is everyone's responsibility.

Germs can be spread by health care workers, patients, visitors, and dirty equipment. To support in the reduction of Infection the trust has a dedicated Infection Prevention and Control Team who are proactive in supporting clinical areas and patients, carers to prevent the spread of micro-organisms working in partnership with CCGs, local councils and Public Health England.

Infection control - how you can help

Our staff work very hard to reduce the risks of passing on infections to patients. Visitors can do their bit to help cut the spread of infections by following a few simple rules:

• Any visitor who is unwell and has an illness such as flu, heavy cold, diarrhoea or vomiting, should not visit the hospital unless it is absolutely 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 operates a naked below the elbow and strict hand washing routine for all our staff too. If you feel that they are not playing their part and you see a member of staff not washing their hands please feel free to politely speak to them about their hand hygiene.
• Visitors should not sit on the beds or put their feet on patient’s beds.
• All visitors must check with the nursing staff before entering a side room where there is a sign that tells you that a patient may have an infection where precautions are needed.
• Check with the nursing staff about any food or other items you may want to bring in to hospital.
• Ask your visitors to limit the amount of presents, food and books which can cause clutter and make cleaning bed spaces difficult.
• Flowers - During a patients stay in hospital, extra equipment is often required to ensure patients receive the right care. This limits the amount of space available around the bedside. Whilst it is appreciated that flowers give great pleasure to patients they can cause a number of problems in the ward environment, for example:
• Vases of water pose a risk to electrical equipment if knocked over.
• Stagnant water can cause offensive smells and looks unpleasant.
• Other patients may suffer from allergies if exposed to flowers.

General Infection Control Principles

• We aim to provide a clean safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
• To provide equipment which is clean at all times.
• To ensure staff competency by providing training in Infection Prevention and Control.
• Reducing the risk of resistance to antibiotics by ensuring robust antibiotic stewardship.

How to contact us

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

The attached leaflets provide more detail about infections and their control.