In the last year nothing has had higher priority for the hospital
than improving our performance in tackling hospital-acquired infections
such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile. While we have made progress,
we are still committed to continuing to work hard at reducing infections.
Our ongoing educational campaigns remind both staff
and visitors of their responsibilities to help us reduce the number
of infections,
so thank you for your help in keeping our infection rates down.
Don’t forget:
• Leave infections at home When you are a visitor, don't bring infections
into hospital. If you have had an infection, stay away until you
are completely better. Cover up any open wounds/cuts.
•
Wash and cleanse your hands carefully and
often. Wash your hands if they are soiled. Use
the alcohol hand rub when you enter and leave
a ward and use the bedside rub after close contact with patients.
There are signs showing you how to use them - or ask staff. Let staff
know when the supplies are running low.
• Don’t clutter. Help staff to keep areas clean
by not bringing in lots of clutter and by taking away things that are not required.
• When you are a visitor - don't sit on the beds - they are for patients
only.
• Remind your staff. Staff won't mind if you ask them
if they have washed and cleansed their hands - they should do this before and
after
every contact with patients.
• Tell us about problems. Report any problems (eg spillages)
to ward staff. Our senior clinical nurses (modern matrons) have responsibility
for ensuring ward areas are hygienic.
• Ask us for advice - if you are worried, please ask us - we will do
our best to find the answers for you.
For more infection information click here
