There are many simple measures we can all take to prevent and control infection:

• Leave infections at home when you are a visitor - If you have an infection stay away until you are completely better, or discuss with a member of staff. This is especially important if you have sickness and diarrhoea.
• Clean your hands carefully and often - Please use the hand wash facilities or alcohol hand rub, particularly if there are signs displayed in the ward asking you to do so.
• Remind staff - Feel free to ask staff if they have cleaned their hands.
• Don’t clutter - Help staff by not bringing in lots of belongings. Take away things that are no longer needed.
• Tell us about problems/concerns - Report any problems (e.g. things that are dirty or spillages) to ward staff.
• Ask for advice - Infections worry everyone and they can be complicated to understand. If you have any questions, please ask the clinical staff. 

• Cleaning - Expect the environment to be clean and tidy. If something needs cleaning please ask and it will be attended to as soon as possible. Additional deep cleaning of areas is also carried out.
• Hand cleaning - Alcohol hand rub is used by staff and may be offered to visitors and patients if required. It is quicker and easier to use than soap when your hands are not actually dirty but may be carrying “hidden” bugs. If you are concerned or unsure whether someone has cleaned their hands before caring for you please ask.
• Well-trained staff - Our staff are constantly trained according to the latest guidance to prevent and control infections, including the care of wounds, catheters and cannulas.
• Aprons and gloves - Staff should wear aprons and gloves when they are changing dressings or providing personal care. This is to protect them, their clothing and you.

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:

• After going to the toilet
• Before eating or drinking
• If your hands appear soiled
• If you have been in an area where either yourself or someone else has had diarrhoea or vomiting.

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:

• Diarrhoea or vomiting illness
• Colds and flu-like illness
• Chicken Pox or undiagnosed rashes.

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.