Steps you can take to help care for our patients

The prevention and control of infection is a priority us and is important for keeping our patients and staff safe. Our hospitals have a dedicated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team who advise on best practice for reducing the risk of infection for patients, visitors and staff.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping infection out of the hospital, so as a visitor please remember to:

Visiting time is important to our patients but if you are unwell, please postpone your visit and let the ward manager know. If you have any of the following symptoms, then please do not visit the hospital for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared:

  • Coughs, sneezes, or the flu, or
  • You are known to have had contact with COVID-19
  • You have been vomiting, or
  • You have had diarrhoea.

This helps us protect all patients from increased risks of infection. If in doubt call the ward for advice.

Hand gel is available outside clinical areas, bays and single rooms. Please use the hand rub to cleanse your hands before and after visiting a relative/friend.

If a patient has diarrhoea or vomiting, all visitors must wash their hands with soap and water before and after any contact with the patient.

Staff don’t mind being asked if they have washed their hands / used the alcohol gel, so please feel free to ask.

In certain circumstances you may need to wear PPE when visiting your relative and our staff will advise you if this is required. 

Facemasks are no longer essential, however you may wear one if you prefer.

Whilst everyone looks forward to visiting, please adhered to the times and numbers of visitors allowed as per the ward guidelines. Please check with the ward manager before bringing children in to visit. There may be visiting restrictions in place in some clinical areas to protect our patients and your family. The ward staff will also inform you of any other visiting restrictions or requirements.

We know that patients require essential items whilst in hospital and would be grateful if the surfaces are kept as clear as possible so that they can be cleaned properly each day.

Please do not bring food in for patients without checking first with the ward manager.

Please report any problems, such as litter or spillages to ward staff. Our ward managers are responsible for making sure wards are clean and hygienic.

If you have any questions about Infection Prevention and Control advice, then simply ask any member of staff.