As a Trust we take our responsibilities for the prevention and control of infection very seriously. We are committed to preventing avoidable infections and aim to consistently provide a clean environment and safe care to patients. Garry Marsh, Executive Director of Patient Services and Infection Prevention is accountable for the quality and safety of your care, which is the hospital's highest priority. Many patients under our care are considered high-risk to infection so one of our key priorities to maintain patient safety is the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
Read more about this in the ‘More Information’ section below.
There are many simple measures we can all take to prevent and control infection:
The best way to prevent bacteria passing from one person to another is by cleaning our hands. Hand gel dispensers are clearly displayed within clinical areas and where available at the entrance to clinics, wards or departments and we would be grateful if you could use them. To use the hand gel: squirt some gel onto the palm of one hand then rub your hands together vigorously making sure that you cover all areas of your hands and fingers. Keep rubbing your hands together until the gel evaporates. This should take 20-30 seconds. Hand washing with soap and water is also very important. Remember to wash your hands:
All our staff are trained to clean their hands before certain actions or tasks and have been provided with information to ensure they understand the importance of following the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. This is a World Health Organisation (WHO 2006) initiative designed at promoting global hand hygiene which the Trust have and continue to participate in. Please do not be afraid to ask staff if they have cleansed their hands if you are not sure that they have - it is so much better to ask at the time. You should also see many posters and notices promoting hand hygiene when you are at the hospital.
We encourage patients and visitors to raise any concerns that they have as they arise. Please speak to the nurse or manager of the ward, clinic or department where you have the concern. If you would like to know more about infection prevention and control within the Trust please contact our Infection Prevention and Control Team on 0121 685 4354.
It is important that if you are unwell you refrain from visiting where possible. Particularly if you have any of the following conditions:
The Trust is committed to the promotion of good infection prevention practices but we realise this can only be achieved if all members of the team play their part. This team includes anyone who works in the Trust but we also believe that patients and visitors play an important part in the prevention and control of infection. Thank you for your support.
Call 0121 685 4354 between 8am-2pm, Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) if you have any of the following symptoms with your wound:
If you call outside these hours, please leave a message on the answerphone stating your name, hospital number, contact number and a brief description of the problem.
For non-wound related queries e.g. dressings/stockings, please telephone the discharging ward for advice.
If you have any other symptoms that you are concerned about and you require urgent, non-emergency advice, contact your GP or 111. For medical emergencies call 999.
Bone Infection Unit
You can contact the Bone Infection Unit on 0121 685 4354 or by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.