How we manage Infection Prevention and Control

Here at the Newcastle Hospitals we are working hard to reduce avoidable infections and to provide a clean and safe environment for patients, their relatives and our staff.
	How we manage Infection Prevention and Control Here at the Newcastle Hospitals we are working hard to reduce avoidable infections and to provide a clean and safe environment for patients, their relatives and our staff.
Hand Cleansing There is alcohol hand rub at the entrance of all wards and bays by each bed. This is for the use of all staff, patients and visitors.
Cleaning You can expect your hospital environment to be kept clean and tidy. We employ trained staff to clean every day both our ward areas and other areas of the hospital. If you have any issues about infection control, please speak to the Sister / Charge Nurse or Matron. They respond to issues that arise quickly, whether these be for a patient on a ward, or wider issues such as the fabric of the hospital's buildings.
	Well-trained Staff To keep up with the latest guidelines for protecting patients, our staff are constantly being reminded of effective ways of preventing infection including how to care for difficult wounds and IV lines .
	Aprons and Gloves Staff should be using aprons and gloves as 'personal protection' when they are changing dressings or giving patient care - this protects them, their uniforms and you.
Reduced risk by segregating patients When we know patients are at risk of serious infection, we can use our side rooms or smaller (cohort) bays to segregate them. These areas are barrier nursed. Please follow any instructions given.
	Antibiotics and treatment We use antibiotics according to well-established guidelines - sometimes to prevent infection (before and after some operations) and sometimes to treat a known infection. We want to use the right ones at the right time to ensure they help you when you need them. Ask your healthcare staff for further information.
Additional deep cleaning of wards When we consider it might help prevent infection, we will close down areas of wards for enhanced cleaning. We apologise for any disruption this might cause.

What can you do to prevent Healthcare Acquired Infections?

Providing high-quality services in a safe and clean environment is a number one priority for Newcastle - this includes helping everyone understand what we can do together to fight infection in hospitals and protect your health.

Find out more about Healthcare Acquired Infections here.

Visiting times

Visiting times are between 2-4pm and 6-8pm.

To ensure that visiting time is beneficial for everyone we ask you to remember the following:

• Only 2 people should visit at any one time. There will be exceptions in certain areas agreed by the Sister/Charge Nurse.  
• Co-ordinate your visits with friends and family to prevent the patient from becoming overtired. 
• Advise people not to visit if they have a potentially infectious condition such as a cough, cold or stomach upset. 
• Children are welcome and must be supervised by an adult at all times within the ward.  
• Seek advice/information from the Sister/Charge Nurse before entering an isolation cubicle.
• Gifts of flowers are welcome in most of the wards. Please check with the nurse in charge that these do not conflict with your care.

The Sister/Charge Nurse may make allowance in exceptional circumstances to allow visiting out side these times. Circumstances when this may occur include:

• When a patient is receiving palliative care and specific support and care is required.
• In specific circumstances to support a patient, e.g. a vulnerable patient. 
• Paediatric patients.
• Maternity patients.
• Critical Care patients.