Leave infections at home
If you have suffered diarrhoea or vomiting, or have had a cough, cold or the ‘flu, please stay away from the hospital until you have recovered and have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. If in doubt call the ward for advice. Also, please cover up any open wounds or cuts.
Wash and clean your hands carefully
Wash your hands before entering the hospital. Do not touch a patient's drip or wound even if you have washed your hands.
Use alcohol gel
When you enter and leave clinical areas, including wards use the alcohol gel provided at the entrance the the room. Also use the bedside gel after close contact with a patient. Take extra care when needed - If a patient has Clostridium Difficile or suffers from diarrhoea or vomiting, all visitors (as well as staff) must wash their hands with soap and warm water before and after any contact with the patient. There are diagrams on every soap dispenser advising how this should be done.
If in doubt, remind staff
We don't mind being asked if we have cleaned our hands properly.
Help us keep the hospital clean
You can help by not bringing in lots of belongings that can clutter the area around beds. Please take away things that are not required.
Don't sit on the beds
If you are visiting a patient please do not sit on the beds, please use the chairs provided.This decreases the risk of infection spreading.
Visiting
Visitors are limited to two per bed at any one time. One of the main reasons for this is to reduce the risk of infection spreading. If more people need to visit at one time please check with the nurse in charge.
Tell us about problems
Report any problems, such as litter or spillages to ward staff. Our ward managers and matrons are responsible for making sure wards are clean and hygienic. If you want to talk to the Matron responsible for the area you are being treated in or visiting, ask a member of staff.
Ask us for advice
If you have any concerns, please ask us about them. We will do our best to find the answers for you.
Please check with ward staff before bringing in flowers, as they are not allowed on some ward ares.