We take the prevention and control of infection very seriously and have a dedicated Infection Prevention & Control Team (IPCT). All our staff receive regular training on Infection Control and are kept up to date with how to protect the people who use our services, visitors and themselves.
IPCT provide advice and teaching about the prevention and management of infection to all trust staff. The team work very closely with staff and help advise where and how people with specific infections should be cared for, depending on the type of germ or infection concerned. It is important that staff take precautions to stop germs spreading – for this reason staff will sometimes wear protective clothing, such as aprons and gloves, when caring for people.
Clean your Hands
We take hand hygiene very seriously – it is the most important way to prevent infection.
Visitors play a key role in supporting our hospitals to remain infection free by making sure hands have been washed. Hands should be washed with water and soap. Alcohol gel is also available in many situations. Visitors should clean their hands on arrival and before leaving the ward.
If you're worried that a member of staff may have forgotten to clean their hands, it's OK to remind them.
Diarrhoea & Vomiting
Please do not visit a ward or department if you have suffered from diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hours. Outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting are common in semi closed environments such as schools, cruise ships and hospitals. Unfortunately within the hospital environment it is often necessary to close wards that are affected and reduce visiting.