Infection Prevention and Control
We see thousands of patients every week across our hospitals. High volumes of people indoors increase the spread and risk of infection which we take very seriously.
We want you to feel confident that you’re getting the right care in a clean and safe environment. You can help to reduce the spread of infections in our hospitals by following some simple guidelines.
We have put further safety measures in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Help us to prevent the spread of infection
Do NOT come to hospital if you have:
- COVID-19 symptoms
- tested positive for COVID-19
- flu-like symptoms, vomiting and or diarrhoea.
If you have an appointment at one of our hospitals, please call us so we can rearrange.
Please call NHS 111 for medical advice.
How to stay safe from COVID-19 in hospital
People with COVID-19 can have very mild or no symptoms at all. This means they can spread the virus to other people without knowing.
We care for vulnerable people and our staff see lots of patients each day. It’s really important we all take responsibility for reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Guidance for patients
To keep staff and other patients safe, we would ask you to continue to wear a face mask if:
- you are coming to A&E, Cardiac and Stroke Receiving Unit (CSRU), Paediatric Decision Unit (PDU), Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU), Eye Casualty, Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and Labour Ward.
- you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19.
- are entering an area where more vulnerable patients are being treated, e.g. Oncology and Haematology.
- you have symptoms of a respiratory illness e.g. high temperature, new continuous cough, loss or alteration to taste or smell, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, feeling tired or exhausted, aching body, headache or loss of appetite.
All other patients are not required to wear a face mask unless they would prefer to do so.
Guidance for visitors
To keep staff and other patients safe, we would ask you to continue to wear a face mask if you are visiting:
- inpatient areas where patients are at high risk of infection due to immunosuppression, e.g. Oncology and Haematology.
- you are accompanying patients to A&E, Cardiac and Stroke Receiving Unit (CSRU), Paediatric Decision Unit (PDU), Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU), Eye Casualty, Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and Labour Ward.
To keep you safe we would ask you to wear a mask if you are advised to do so because the area you are visiting has a high number of patients with respiratory illnesses such as flu or COVID-19.
Wash your hands
COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria can stay on surfaces for some time. To protect yourself and your loved ones, please wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser as often as possible.
- Watch an NHS video on how to wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
- You can also see our 13-step guide on how to wash your hands
- Try not to touch your face (including your mouth, nose and eyes) as this is an easy way to spread the virus.
Keep your distance
Leave at least 2 metres between you and other people. It’s one of the main things you can do to reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.
Stay in place
We know it can be hard to stay in the same place for a long time, but moving around can quickly spread the virus, especially if you do not know you have it. It also increases the chance of you catching it.
- Please do NOT visit other parts of the hospital unless you’re asked to by a member of staff.
- If you’re asked to stay in a waiting or treatment area, please stay there.