Keeping our hospitals clean

We work hard to reduce avoidable infections and to provide a clean and safe environment for patients, relatives, visitors and staff.

How we manage infection prevention and control

Hand cleansing

Hand sanitising gel is available at the entrance of our hospitals, adult wards and by each bed (for safety reasons in some areas staff wear individual bottles of gel).

This is for the use of all staff, patients and visitors. Alcohol hand rub is used to supplement regular handwashing.

Cleaning

While in hospital, you can expect the environment you’re in to be clean and tidy. Trained staff are employed to clean ward areas and other areas of the hospital every day.

If you have any concerns about infection prevention and control, please speak to the sister / charge nurse or matron, who can quickly respond, whether the issue relates to a patient on a ward or something else, such as the structure of the hospital’s buildings.

Well-trained staff

To keep up with the latest guidelines for infection control and protecting patients, we have regular reminders and training opportunities for staff. Content and information provided highlights effective and evidenced ways of preventing infection, including how to care for difficult wounds and IV lines.

Aprons and gloves

Staff should be wearing aprons and gloves when they are changing dressings or providing patient care – this protects both the patient and the member of staff.

Reduced risk by segregating patients

In some circumstances, patients may be nursed in single rooms (side rooms) or smaller (cohort) bays to prevent the spread of an infection.

Antibiotics and treatment

We use antibiotics according to well-established guidelines – sometimes to prevent infection (before and after some operations) and sometimes to treat an active infection. We want to use the right antibiotics at the right time, to ensure they help you when patients most need them.

Additional deep cleaning of wards

When we consider it might help prevent infection, we will close down areas of wards for enhanced cleaning.

What can you do to prevent healthcare associated infections?

Providing high-quality services in a safe and clean environment includes helping everyone to understand the best ways to control the spread of infection.

1.   Use the hand sanitising gel or wash hands on entry and exit from ward
2.   Wash hands or use hand gel before and after any patient contact
3.   Contact a nurse if another patient needs assistance
4.   Do not sit/lie on other patients’ beds or your relative’s bed
5.   Don’t share patient toiletries or towels
6.   Do not touch any wounds or medical equipment
7.   Don’t visit if you are suffering from an infection or illness
8.   Don’t visit in work clothing, e.g. healthcare or builder
9.   Don’t bring food in that requires reheating
10. Ward toilets should only be used by patients