Advice for visitors

Bacteria are among the earliest known species of life on Earth and still survive today. They are all around us in our everyday lives and can be found in your home, in the workplace and out in the community. In fact, the human body contains ten times more bacteria cells than it does human cells. It is only when a person becomes very ill, their immune system does not work as well or a bacteria gets into the bloodstream that they can cause illness. Here are our top tips on how you can help us reduce the spread of hospital infections:

• Use the alcohol hand rub provided in each ward and at every patient bedside every time you enter and leave the ward
• Wash your hands after visiting the toilet then use the alcohol hand rub to kill off any remaining germs
• Do not visit if you are unwell - you should be free of any symptoms (eg sickness and diarrhoea) for at least two days before you visit
• Do not sit on the patient’s bed. Please use the chairs provided
• Do not touch patient’s wounds, bandages and dressings or medical equipment such as drips
• Patients should have their own toiletries and should never borrow from other patients

Alcohol based hand rubs are very effective at killing germs but they are not a cure for all. Please try to wash your hands and use the hand rub every time you visit your friend or relative in hospital.