Patient Information Leaflet - Infection Prevention Patients and Visitors

Infection Prevention Patients and Visitors

Introduction

Bugs and germs do not always cause harm, however preventing them spreading, especially when people are unwell, is important.

This leaflet will provide you with information about what you can do to prevent the spread of infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi commonly known as germs.

  • Wash your hands, especially before meals and after going to the toilet.
  • Inform a nurse if your environment is not clean.
  • Inform the nurses and doctors taking care of you if you feel unwell or have diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
  • Follow the advice provided to you by your nurse or doctor regarding infection prevention.
  • Do not share belongings or other items with other patients.              
  • Avoid clutter around your bed or in your room.
  • Do not leave toiletries in shared bathrooms as other patients might use them.
  • Please do not tip any drinks or any other fluids down the hand wash basins.
  • Staff will follow the infection prevention advice and guidance to reduce the spread of infection.
  • Staff will wash their hands or use alcohol sanitiser regularly.  Please feel free to remind staff about this if you think they have not done this.
  • The ward you will be cared for on will be a clean environment and maintained.
  • Patients and visitors will be provided with information on how to help reduce infection.
  • Any indwelling devices such as a cannula or urinary catheter will be monitored regularly.
  • If you have a cannula inserted into a vein during your admission, please let the doctor or nurse know if this becomes painful or if the dressing covering it begins to lift.

Swabs or samples may be taken during your admission by a nurse or doctor with your consent to identify any bugs or germs.

  • Clean hands on entering and when leaving the ward using the alcohol gel provided.
  • Wash hands when providing any personal care.
  • Please remove and clean hands before leaving a patients room if wearing apron and gloves.
  • Wash hands each time you visit the bathroom.
  • Avoid cluttering the patients environment.
  • Please do not sit on the bed.  Chairs will be provided by the ward to use whilst visiting.
  • Laundry bags can be provided by the ward for soiled patients laundry to be taken home.  Please speak to a member of staff on how to use these.
  • Please tell the nurse in charge if you bring in any food or drinks from outside of the hospital.
  • Please do not visit if you have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting 48 hours before or if you have flu or cold like symptoms.

If you would like further information or advice, please speak to a member of the ward team.