Patients and visitors : Infection Prevention and Control

Your wellbeing is our top priority and we want you to be safe when you visit one of our wards and clinics, and when you’re receiving care in your home.

We’re committed to providing good quality services in a safe way.

To make sure our patients and staff are kept safe, our team offers support to help prevent infection outbreak, such as:  

• Monitoring specific organisms and conditions to create guidance for clinical staff
• Investigating infection related incidents
• Managing seasonal related risks such as Norovirus and influenza
• Developing evidence based policies and emergency planning
• Providing training and guidance for all staff
• Supporting our carer professionals in following all national guidelines and laws on infection control
• Working together with local and national organisations to make sure our services are safe

You can read our latest reports on our infection prevention and control measures.

Whether you’re a patient, carer or member of staff, you can help us prevent the spread of infections.

You can do this by making sure you: 

• Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, and before handling and eating food – even if your hands look clean, there may still be germs on them
• Wear facemasks or other PPE when visiting
• Put rubbish in the correct bins provided
• Don’t touch yours or anyone else’s wounds, dressings and medical equipment
• Let our staff know about any unclean areas or spillages so they can take appropriate action
• Ask staff if they’ve cleaned their hands before they provide you with care
• Don’t visit relatives if you're feeling unwell or have flu like symptoms, a heavy cold, diarrhoea and/or vomiting – make sure you’re free from symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting
• Call the relevant department before you attend an appointment if you or your carer have an infectious illness
• Tell your carer if you or a family member has an infectious illness, diarrhoea and/or vomiting - this will help us plan our visits to make sure the spread of infection is prevented

You can download our patient information leaflets by visiting the page below. 

• View leaflets

Antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

However, they don't work on infections or illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds or the flu. 

Use antibiotics correctly

Using antibiotics the wrong way can cause some bacteria to be become resistant, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

This means the antibiotics are no longer effective and this can lead to more serious infections and complications, both for yourself and others.

• Learn more about antibiotics