Here we explain how you can help us to prevent and control infection when you come to our hospitals.

Wear a face mask in clinical areas where asked

Face masks are required in a number of clinical areas, particularly those areas treating patients who are at greater risk from respiratory viruses (that is, patients who have a weakened immune system), unless the patient or visitor:

• is a young child under the age of 2
• has breathing or developmental difficulties
• experiences genuine discomfort or distress while wearing a face mask
• is unable to remove their mask without assistance.

Patients and visitors are no longer required to wear masks in other areas, but if you choose to wear a mask, we fully support your right to do so.

Visitors

• Plan your visits so there are only two people at the bedside at any one time. See the Wards page for more information on ward visiting times.
• Do not come to the hospital if they feel unwell, have a temperature, or have had diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours.
• Wash your hands before entering a ward. Wash basins and hand gel are available throughout the hospital.
• Use the public toilets, not the patient toilets on the wards. This reduces the risk of cross-infection.
• Sit on a chair and not a hospital bed.
• Do not bring in latex balloons, flowers and plants. These can be an infection risk or cause an allergic reaction for other patients and staff.
• Wear protective equipment, such as face masks, aprons and gloves, if asked to do so.

Patients

• Wash your hands regularly and carefully with soap and water or use alcohol hand rub:

• whenever your hands are dirty

• before and after eating your meals

• after using the toilet.

• Let staff know straight away if you have diarrhoea or vomiting, or if you think may have a respiratory virus such as flu or COVID-19.
• Bring your own personal toiletries with you, such as flannels, sponges, moist hand wipes and razors, and do not allow others to use them.
• Ensure you have regular washes, showers or baths, where available. Please ask our staff if you need any help.
• Avoid using bars of soap – use the liquid soap we provide instead.
• Staff should wash their hands before having direct contact with you. If you are in any doubt, ask them to – they will be happy to do so.
• Keep your room or bed space tidy and uncluttered, so our staff can clean it more easily.
• Expect your room to be cleaned every day.
• Expect to have fresh bed linen at least once a week.
• Tell the nurse in charge if you are concerned about cleanliness.

Who can I contact with queries and concerns?

If you have any concerns or would like more information, please contact the manager of the ward or area affected.