Patient Safety
We are committed to keeping our patients safe and preventing infections is a priority.
Infections are caused by bacteria or viruses (bugs) that occur naturally all around us, in the air, on surfaces and all over our bodies. It is important to remember that most of them will not do us any harm. When we are not well or following an operation, our bodies’ natural defences (immune system) are weaker which can make us more susceptible to infections. Every disease, condition, procedure and sometimes medication can reduce the body’s natural defences against infection. Most people will not develop a HCAI while they are being treated, but it is not possible to completely remove all the risk during healthcare.
We are doing everything we can to prevent and reduce the risk of our patients contracting an infection during their stay but we also need your help.
- Hand hygiene is the simplest most effective way to prevent infection. It is important that hands are washed with soap and water regularly and dried properly, especially before eating and after going to the toilet.
- Visitors, patients and staff, must clean their hands on entering a clinical area (where there are patients) and before and after contact with a patient.
- Please remind staff if the alcohol gel dispenser is empty.
- Please inform staff if you notice any areas of the ward or department are not clean.
- Patients and visitors are asked not to touch any drips, drains, catheters or wounds to prevent transferring bacteria form their hands.
- People should not visit someone in hospital if they have diarrhoea and/or vomiting, and for 48 hours after the last episode.
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