Infection control on the HDU.
Hospital acquired infections are a problem, but with good practice and careful hygiene it can be brought under control.
We want to prevent our patients getting these infections, so what can we do?
What causes infections?
Infections are never caused by dirt - they can be caused by viruses, but mostly by 'bugs' or germs called bacteria that occur naturally all around us. They are sometimes on our skin, and even in our mouths and noses. Most of them don't do us any harm.
When we unwell or after an operation, our bodies' natural defences are weaker, so more care is needed to protect us. Getting an infection in hospital might mean staying longer while it is treated. Some bacteria - like MRSA - are difficult to fight with antibiotics because they've developed resistance.
How can visitors to the HDU help prevent the spead of infections in hospital?
We need you to wash your hands. When staff clean their hands before and after touching each patient, it helps stop bugs spreading. There are two main ways to do this:
Washing with soap and water - this removes germs and is best when hands are soiled.
Using disinfectant handrubs - these kill about 99% of germs in around 30 seconds and dry naturally on the skin. And because we don't have to be near a sink to use them, they are also very convenient. The clean your hands campaign especially encourages staff to use these rubs. We hope that seeing us use them will help you feel confident that in this hospital you're in safe hands.
Disinfectant handrubs kill almost all bugs in 30 seconds and are an excellent way of keeping you safe.
Clean your hands campaign 2004-2006 .
Disinfectant handrubs are available in the HDU on each bedspace, by each sink and on the corridor of ward.
Washing your hands when entering and leaving the HDU and any hospital environment can dramatically cut down the spread of infections. Aprons are also available to visitors if the patient you are visiting has a known infection such as MRSA. Remember talk to the nursing staff, we are here to help and answer any of your questions.
