Our patients can be reassured by the tough infection control measures we have in place; and we regularly monitor and report to the Trust Board on their effectiveness.

Many of the germs that can cause infections can be passed on by person to person contact; so we need the help of our patients and visitors to our hospitals as well as our staff to help control them.

Hand washing by our staff, patients and visitors is one of the most effective ways to prevent the germs going from person to person. 

Advice for patients

  • Ask the staff caring for you whether they have cleaned their hands - they really do not mind
  • Use the hand hygiene facilities at every ward entrance and every bedside and encourage your visitors to do so as well
  • Please tell a member of staff if you see a spill or something which needs cleaning up
  • Please wash your hands before meals and after using the toilet
  • Please do not sit on another patient's bed
  • Bring personal toiletries including soap and a clean flannel and towel with you. Men should bring in their own razor. Please try to keep your locker top and table as tidy as possible so that our cleaning staff are able to clean effectively.

Advice for visitors

Bacteria (germs) are all around us in our everyday lives and can be found in your home, in the workplace and out in the community.

It is when a person is ill, their immune system does not work as well or bacteria gets into the bloodstream, that they can cause serious illness. 

  • Please do not visit the hospital if you are unwell - you should be free of any symptoms (e.g. sickness and diarrhoea) for at least two days before you visit
  • Use the hand hygiene gels provided in each ward and at every patient bedside every time you enter and leave the ward
  • Wash your hands after visiting the toilet.