While the risk of acquiring an infection in hospital is low, we all have a part to play in keeping it that way. By taking a few simple steps during your stay, you can help protect yourself, other patients, and our staff from avoidable infections.
What you can do
- Pack personal toiletries: Please bring your own toiletries, including soap and a clean flannel, when you’re admitted. If you forget, a family member or visitor can bring them in for you
- Use your own razor: For personal hygiene and safety, please bring your own razor for shaving
- Keep yourself clean: Try to wash regularly and maintain good personal hygiene during your stay. Clean hands and body reduce the risk of infection
- Wash your hands regularly
- Before eating any meal or snack
- After using the toilet
- If using a commode, ask for a bowl of water to wash your hands afterwards
- Speak up about cleanliness: If a toilet or bathroom doesn’t look clean, tell the nurse in charge straight away. Request that it be cleaned before use. If another is available, please use it in the meantime
- Keep your space tidy: Please keep the top of your locker and bedside table clear of clutter so our cleaning teams can disinfect surfaces thoroughly
- Don’t hesitate to report missed cleaning: Your bed area should be cleaned regularly. If you or a visitor notices anything that has been missed, let the nurse in charge know so we can take action quickly
- Wear footwear at all times: Always wear something on your feet when walking around the hospital. Non-slip slippers or shoes are ideal, as hospital floors can sometimes be slippery
By following these simple steps, you’ll be helping us to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for everyone.
Information from NHS.uk on infections
- MRSA
- Norovirus
- Clostridium difficile (C.diff)
- Antibiotic resistance (Carbapenem-resistant organisms)