Infection prevention and control

As one of the largest hospital trusts in the South West we treat thousands of patients every year. We work hard to ensure that patients receive the very highest standard of healthcare. Although the risk of getting an infection whilst in hospital is low, careful attention to infection prevention and control is a crucial part of keeping our patients safe. Although the Trust has a dedicated infection prevention and control team there are also infection control leads at Board, divisional and ward levels.

Through various initiatives we are successfully reducing the spread of healthcare associated infections including MRSA and Clostridium difficile.

If problems with Norovirus, a diarrhoea and vomiting virus that is brought into hospital from the community occur, we have a robust management plan which has proved effective.

The cornerstone of successful infection control is hand hygiene. Staff at all levels are given training in this. There are posters up all round the hospitals reminding everyone about the importance of good hand hygiene.

People who are in hospital can be more vulnerable to catching illnesses and infections. This can result in their recovery being delayed. Obviously staying in touch with family and friends is important for patients. By taking some simple actions relatives, visitors and patients themselves can help us in our mission to keep infections to a minimum.

Wash your hands with soap and water, or use the alcohol gel when you go into a ward/department and when you leave
If bottles of alcohol gel are empty please tell a member of staff
If you notice that a staff member may not have washed or put alcohol gel on their hands, challenge them they are happy to be reminded
They may also challenge you in a friendly way!
Stay at home if you have a cold, infection or stomach upset and only visit if you have been free from symptoms for at least 48 hours
Use the chairs on wards not the beds
Tell a staff member if you have any particular concerns about infection control

We want people to feel safe in our hands. The Trust has patient leaflets available on MRSA and Clostridium difficile:

The Infection Control Team can be contacted via

Telephone:

0117 342 9274

or by post to:
Infection Control Nurses Level 8, Department of Laboratory Medicine Bristol Royal Infirmary - Queens Building University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust Marlborough Street Bristol BS2 8HW