Preventing infection in our Trust is taken very seriously, and staff, patients and visitors all play an important role in minimising the risks. 

Our infection prevention and control (IPC) team works hard to ensure patients and service users receive the highest standard of care in a clean, safe environment. It provides specialist advice, education and training to all Trust staff, and develops policies and procedures in line with the Health and Social Care Act (2008) to reduce the risk of infection. 

The team works very closely with other colleagues, including cleaning services, pharmacists, nurses, doctors and therapists, to ensure the healthcare environment and our practices are safe for all.

Help us to keep patients safe 

Everyone has a vital part to play in helping prevent and control infections. Here are some simple steps we can all take. 

  • Leave infections at home 

If you have suffered diarrhoea or vomiting, or have COVID-19 symptoms, a cough, cold or the flu, please stay away from visiting friends and relatives until you have recovered and have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. If in doubt, call the ward/clinic for advice. Also, please cover up any open wounds or cuts. 

  • Clean your hands and follow staff requests 

Wash your hands or use the alcohol gel available when visiting our inpatient wards and after any contact with patients/service users. You may also be asked to wear personal protective equipment, such as a face mask, when visiting our sites during outbreaks of respiratory infections like the flu, to prevent spread of infection.  

  • Follow guidance on visiting wards during outbreaks of illness 

There will be occasions where wards have a number of cases of an infectious illness (an outbreak). Visiting during these periods will be under advice of the nurse in charge, together with the infection prevention and control team. This will help both to protect visitors and reduce the risk of cross-infection on the ward. 

  • Tell us about problems 

Report any problems, such as litter or spillages to our staff. They are responsible for making sure all areas where patients are being treated are clean and hygienic. If you want to speak to the manager responsible for the area you are being treated in or visiting, ask a member of staff. 

  • If in doubt, remind staff 

We don’t mind being asked if we have washed our hands and used alcohol gel. 

Contact us 

Contact the IPC team on 01305 361132 or via dhc.infectionprevention.control@nhs.net.