Download Reducing the risk of infection

P A T I E NT
I N F O R M AT IO N
Reducing the risk of infection
Bupa Cromwell Hospital takes infection prevention and control very seriously. We believe that
the greatest success comes when everyone helps to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
This leaflet explains what we are already doing within the hospital and also what you and your
visitors can do to help maintain a safe, clean environment.
Why infections are a specific risk to patients
Although the vast majority of our patients have no problems, some hospital patients can be at an
increased risk of getting an infection. This may be because their natural immunity to fight germs
has been affected by an illness or medication. In addition, patients are more vulnerable to
infections if they have a wound or medical device attached, such as a drip, drain or catheter.
What we are doing to help prevent the spread of infection
Screening for MRSA
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a member of the Staphylococcus family of bacteria. It’s
estimated that one in three healthy people harmlessly carry S. aureus on their skin, in their nose
or in their mouth. MRSA is the methicillin-resistant form of S. aureus, which has become resistant
to commonly used antibiotics. MRSA can cause problems if it gets the opportunity to enter the
body and cause an infection. MRSA is more likely to affect people who are already unwell or
those who are having surgery, so it is of particular concern to hospitals.
Our ‘One Two Free’ programme screens patients to ensure they are free from MRSA before
being admitted to the hospital.
One: a simple swab is taken from your nose
Two: it is sent to the pathology laboratory for analysis and the results are back within a day
Free: if the test shows you are free of MRSA bacteria then your appointment for admission
can be confirmed
If the test shows you have MRSA bacteria on your skin, you will be given ointment and washes
to use for five days.
If you would like to know more about MRSA and our screening process, please ask for a copy of
the ‘One Two Free’ leaflet, or speak to one of the nurses.
Encouraging good hand hygiene
Good hand hygiene is very important in preventing the spread of bacteria and infections. Hands
should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. In every patient’s room there is a hand basin
and step-by-step instructions on the best way to wash your hands.
There are also hand sanitizer gel containers located across the hospital for staff, patients and
visitors to use if their hands are visibly clean.
Our staff are trained to always clean their hands before and after contact with each patient and
their surroundings.
Nursing patients in single rooms
All patients at Bupa Cromwell Hospital have their own rooms. This helps reduce the risk of an
infection spreading from one person to another.
Taking care of wounds
When our nurses or doctors dress wounds they use a special aseptic technique. This involves
washing their hands thoroughly, wearing aprons and gloves and using sterile equipment. This is
done to stop bacteria on their hands, the surfaces or equipment from entering the sterile areas of
your body which are normally protected by your skin.
Keeping the hospital clean
Maintaining a clean, safe environment is very important to us. Our hotel services team cleans
each room and all communal parts of the ward every day. Standards of cleanliness are routinely
monitored by our lead nurses, ward sisters, department managers and the infection prevention
and control team.
Keeping medical equipment clean
Healthcare workers in all areas of the hospital are taught the importance of ensuring that shared
medical equipment is kept clean and in good condition.
Training our staff
We were the first private hospital in London to appoint a dedicated Infection Prevention and
Control Consultant Nurse who works closely with our microbiologists to advise on infection
control measures for the hospital. She also regularly trains staff to ensure that good infection
prevention and control measures are implemented throughout the hospital.
How you can help to prevent the spread of infection
There are a number of ways you can help to prevent the spread of infection. By following these
simple measures you are helping to protect both yourself and other patients.
Good hand hygiene
This is one of the best ways of preventing germs from spreading.
You should always wash your hands after going to the toilet, before you eat, and before and after
you go into another patient’s room. If you can’t manage to do this yourself then please ask a
nurse, who will be very happy to help you.
You should never be afraid to ask someone to clean their hands before they have contact with
you. It doesn’t matter whether it is a doctor, nurse, another member of staff or one of your visitors.
Remember, you have a right to ask them.
Ask your visitors to follow simple infection control measures
There are hand sanitizer gel containers throughout the hospital and your visitors should use
them before and after they visit you.
When in your room, please ask visitors to sit on the chairs and not on your bed. Ask them not to
touch any equipment in the room and supervise any children to make sure they don’t touch any
equipment either.
Please ask family and friends not to come to see you if they are feeling unwell with a cold, flu or
an upset stomach. If in doubt, ask a member of staff for advice.
Take care of drips, drains and catheters
If you have a drip, drain or any other tubes attached to your body you should avoid touching
them wherever possible. Tell your nurse immediately if you have any discomfort or you notice
anything different about your drip, drain or catheter.
Take care of your wound
If you have a wound, you should avoid touching it and please don’t remove the dressing. Tell
your nurse immediately if you have any discomfort or notice anything different about the wound.
Keep surfaces in your room clear
We recommend that you try to keep your bedside table and window ledge as clear as possible.
This will make it easier for our staff to clean your room thoroughly.
If you notice the cleaning has not been done properly then please let us know.
Any questions
If you have any questions or need further information, speak to a member of staff on the ward or
contact our Infection Prevention and Control team on 020 7460 5597.
Bupa Cromwell Hospital
162 – 174 Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
+44(0)20 7460 2000 (hospital switchboard)
[email protected]
www.bupacromwellhospital.com
Published: August 2013
Review: August 2014
This information is published by Bupa Cromwell Hospital and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence and experience from over
25 years of treating patients. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa Cromwell Hospital doctors. The content is intended for general
information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. If you have any feedback on
the content of this patient information document please email [email protected] or telephone 020 7460 5578.