Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Service

The Infection Prevention and Control Programme aims to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infection for patients, staff and visitors to the lowest possible level.

On a practical level this means advising on protecting patients, staff and visitors through the use of equipment like masks and gloves. Also appropriate antibiotic use, equipment cleaning and education of staff and patients with regard to management of people who have active infection or colonisations with microorganisms (bugs or germs) that are resistant to some antibiotics.

Patients and visitors also have a role to play in reducing the risk of infection to others. This role includes not visiting if unwell, following pre-operative hygiene instructions and frequent use of alcohol gel to clean the hands of bugs and germs.

Patients and visitors who feel that hygiene standards are not being met, in terms of the use of alcohol gel by staff, or cleaning, are welcome to raise these issues with the nurse or doctor in charge of their care.

Community Infection Prevention and Control Service

In the community the Infection Prevention and Control team provides advice, liaison and education to rest homes, residential care facilities and general practices.

Education sessions available include those on outbreak management, general infection control and care of clients with multi drug resistant organism (e.g. MRSA). The Community Infection Control Team liaises closely with Regional Public Health on matters of public health concern (like vomiting outbreaks).