Preventing the spread of infections

The prevention and control of infection is everyone’s responsibility, including staff, patients and visitors. We’re committed to providing high-quality services in a safe, clean environment. We insist that all our staff maintain a high standard of hand hygiene and we encourage our patients and visitors to do the same to protect family, friends and loved-ones. 

Hand washing is the most effective way of preventing the spread of germs and even if hands look clean, many germs are still present. By frequently washing your hands with soap and water, you will ensure that your hands are clean and the risk of spreading infection is reduced. 

We request that patients regularly and thoroughly wash their hands using soap and water: 

  • Before you eat
  • If you accidentally touch your wounds or catheter
  • After you use the toilet, commode or go to the bathroom

Patient hand wipes 

If it is difficult to get to a sink or to use a washbowl, patient hand wipes are available if you need them - please do not hesitate to ask a member of the team providing your care.

We ask that visitors wash their hands using soap and water: 

  • On arrival to the ward you are visiting
  • Before touching food, for example if you are helping a relative or friend with their meal
  • When leaving the ward you are visiting
  • After using the toilet, changing a nappy or helping your relative or friend to the toilet

We ask that visitors do not do any the following:

  • Visit if they are unwell (colds, flu, diarrhoea, cough, sore throat etc)
  • Sit or lie on patients beds
  • Use patient toilets
  • Touch any wounds, medical devices, drips or catheters
  • Pour drinks or waste down patient wash basins

Norovirus is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages.
Between 600,000 and 1 million people in the UK catch it every year. You may have heard of it as the "winter vomiting bug" because the illness is more common in winter. However, the virus can be caught at any time of the year.

Noroviruses cause a very unpleasant but generally short-lived illness from which people will usually recover without treatment.  The main symptom is vomiting and is sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea. Some people may have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.

Norovirus is highly infectious and it can spread rapidly in semi-closed communities such as hospitals. People feel very unwell when they have a norovirus infection, but it is not usually necessary to seek medical advice unless symptoms persist for more than a few days.

People with symptoms should stay at home and take plenty of fluids until they are free of symptoms for 48 hours. If the illness persists for more than a few days, they should contact their GP or call 111. 

How to stop it spreading

The virus is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands. You can also catch it through contaminated food or drink or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

If you do become ill, you can reduce the risk of passing on the virus to others by:

  • Washing hands thoroughly and regularly at all times, but particularly after using the toilet and before eating
  • Staying away from work or school until you have fully recovered and been free of symptoms for 48 hours
  • Not visiting friends or relatives in hospitals or care homes until you have fully recovered and have been free of symptoms for 48 hours
  • Not handling or preparing food for other people until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours

For more information about Norovirus, please visit the NHS choices website.