Infection prevention and control

• The ward staff will explain to you and your relatives why you are being barrier nursed and the extra precautions that will be taken to limit the spread of the bacteria.
• A sign will be displayed on the door to inform people coming to see you. This sign is a specific colour, depending on the bacteria you have and how it is spread. The sign details the precautions that all healthcare workers are required to take when looking after you.
• It is preferable that the door to your room is kept closed, as this helps to control the spread of the bacteria.
• Equipment associated with your care will, either be cleaned, disinfected and re-used, or disposed of, depending on the type of equipment.

You are advised to perform hand washing:

• Before meal or snack times.
• After using the toilet facilities.
• Before and after going to another department, for example X-ray.

If toilet facilities have been designated for your use only, then please only use these facilities - the ward staff will advise you.

Please limit the amount of personal belongings stored on your bedside locker or table, to enable domestic staff to clean the surfaces.

• Visitors are advised to use the alcohol hand gel before entering the room and wash their hands with soap and water before leaving your room.
• It maybe necessary for your visitors to wear gloves, aprons or masks. Staff will advise if required.
• Your visitors should use the visitor toilet facilities on the main ward.
• They should not visit any other patients in the hospital after visiting you.

• All staff must wear a disposable plastic apron as a minimum precaution on entering your room.
• Staff may usually wear gloves, masks and/or goggles depending on the activity they are going to do.

All staff are required to clean their hands:

• Before entering and leaving your room; it is likely that you may not be able to see staff cleaning their hands before entering your room, but it is okay to ask staff if they have cleaned their hands.
• After removing any protective equipment such as gloves, aprons and masks.
• Before and after handling any medical devices such as drips, drains, and catheters.
• Before and after handling any body fluids such as changing or removing your wound dressing.
• After contact with equipment in the room environment such as your bedside locker, table, chair, and notes folder.

We hope you can be reassured by the information contained in this leaflet and understand that the measures being taken are part of our continued commitment to the prevention and control of infection within Royal Papworth Hospital.

Please do not hesitate to ask a member of the ward staff, in the first instance, if you have any further questions or ask to contact a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Team as listed below.

Infection Control Nurse 01223 638052