Infections that occur in hospital or similar healthcare environments are called Health Care Associated Infections or ‘HCAIs’.
The most common ones are Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, more commonly known as ‘MRSA’ and Clostridium Difficile (‘C. Diff’). Our hospitals have significantly reduced the rates of both MRSA and C. Diff and we are committed to ensuring these remain low. A Consultant Nurse who leads the Infection Prevention and Control Team, reports directly to the Chief Nurse. The team provides specialist advice to all staff on infection prevention and control issues.
Please let staff know if: You have been in hospital in the last 6 months. You have previously been told that you have MRSA. You have had C. Diff diarrhoea in the past. You have had diarrhoea and / or vomiting prior to your admission or whilst in hospital.
When you are in hospital it is important to maintain good hygiene, which includes washing your hands before meals and after going to the toilet. If you cannot do this please ask the nursing staff to help you. Do not be afraid to ask any of the staff whoever they may be if they have decontaminated their hands prior to giving you care or examining you.
It is also important that your visitors adhere to the infection control procedures by:
- Washing their hands if they are visibly dirty
- Using the alcohol sanitiser provided on entry and exit to all wards / departments.
- Not visiting if they have been unwell.
- If they have been unwell due to diarrhoea and vomiting they must not visit until 48 hours after the last symptoms.
- Not bringing children under the age of 10 years into the wards unless absolutely necessary.
Can my visitors bring in flowers?
Unfortunately we cannot allow flowers or plants of any kind on the ward as they can be hazardous in the presence of electrical equipment and there is also a risk of infection from the water.
We therefore ask that your relatives and friends do not bring them into the hospital.
