Infection control means preventing or limiting the spread of infections both in the hospital and in our community.
Patients may come into hospital with infections acquired in the community. In addition, some treatments may increase the risk of infection; for example, surgery or taking certain medicines may weaken your immune system.
Hand washing is the most important way to stop the spread of infections.
All staff should wash their hands before and after caring for you and we encourage you to ask staff if they have washed their hands. As a patient or visitor to our hospital you can help stop the spread of infection by doing
If you have an infection, you may need to be isolated in a single room.
Our staff will wash their hands before entering your room and may wear gloves, masks, apron or gowns and eye protection. If this is required, you and your family will be kept fully informed.
While you are in hospital, you may need to have routine swabs taken to look for infections; these may include swabs from the nose, groin, rectum or wound areas. Nursing staff will explain what is needed and why, and you will be advised of the results. If you would like more information on infection control, please ask your nurse.
You can help prevent the spread of infections by:
Please do not visit a patient in hospital if you are sick with infections such as cold, flu, vomiting, diarrhoea and any childhood illnesses, e.g. chicken pox.