Infection control

Controlling infections

We can all play our part to help limit and prevent the spread of infection. 

If you are visiting our hospitals for treatment or to see a loved one please take a look at the advice below.

 

Patients

• If you have not seen our staff clean their hands before they touch you please just say: "Have you cleaned your hands?"
• Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before touching food
• Please use the alcohol gel provided at the entrances to wards and departments
• Tell a member of staff if you notice anywhere that has not been cleaned properly such as the ward, bathrooms or toilets
• If you have a drip, drain or catheter that becomes sore please check with your nurse if it needs changing
• Please take the whole course of any antibiotic medicines you are given
• You should wash your hair and take a bath or shower as usual at home before coming in for surgery
• If you have diarrhoea please tell the nursing staff

 

Visitors

• Please do not visit the hospital if you are unwell with cold-like symptoms or diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms
• Please do not sit on the bed. If there are no chairs available please ask a member of staff to provide you with one
• Any children visiting must be supervised all the time, so that they do not touch equipment or dressings
• Make sure you wash your hands on the ward or use alcohol gel before and after visiting a patient in hospital, and follow advice on notices of side room doors
• Check how many visitors are allowed in at any one time

 

If you have any concerns or questions about cleanliness or infection control please speak to the nurse-in-charge on the ward or contact our infection prevention and control teams on:

Tel: 0115 9249924
Ext: 83866 (QMC) or 55578 (City Hospital)

You can read our 'Welcome to NUH Visitors Code[pdf] 823KB' document.