Who we are
Infection Control
All colleagues in the Trust have a responsibility for maintaining a clean, hygienic and tidy environment in which patients are cared for…
In this page
Introduction
With thousands of patients and visitors walking through the doors of our healthcare services each year, you can help too.
It is simple personal hygiene that can really make a difference.
Hand washing is the single most important measure we can all take to prevent the spread of all infections in our hospitals.
If you are visiting our community hospitals or someone who is unwell in the community, please wear a mask, wash your hands using soap and water or use the hand sanitising gel available from the wall dispensers in all of our premises.
We also ask you, in order to protect our patients and staff from the risk of cross infection, that if you have had any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, that you do not visit for 10 days since symptoms began, positive test {if no symptoms} or last COVID-19 positive contact.
Additionally, if you have a friend or relative in one of our hospitals and you have been recently unwell with diarrhoea and/or vomiting, that you refrain from visiting until at least 48 hours or 2 days after your symptoms have ended.
Contact us
For cleanliness issues, please speak to a team member who will then arrange for cleaning and decontamination to take place as soon as possible.
If there is something that you are concerned about or you require more information on any infection or how we are controlling infections, contact the infection prevention and control team on 0300 421 8508.
Our office hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. COVID-19 stands for Corona Virus Disease 2019.
It is caused by a virus that is a type of coronavirus. Other types of coronaviruses also cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe chest disease.
This strain was first discovered in China in 2019.
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol gel, wear a mask and to keep 2 metres social distancing.
GHC would encourage all eligible age groups to have their COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information please visit:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
What is Influenza?
Influenza (Flu) is a respiratory viral illness causing a range of symptoms and commonly affects individuals in winter season.
For high-risk groups influenza can cause serious illness. These high-risk groups are encouraged to uptake the seasonal influenza vaccine to reduce the risk.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol gel and using tissues when coughing or sneezing to trap germs are the best way to stop influenza from spreading.
For more information, visit:
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus also referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ and is a stomach bug which commonly occurs in winter seasons.
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can usually last up to 2 days and you should ensure you are kept well hydrated during this time.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading, as alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus. For more information, visit:
What is MRSA?
MRSA is a common name for the bacteria (germ) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In line with Department of Health recommendations, our Trust undertakes MRSA screening for all those admitted either as a planned admission or as an emergency.
What is Clostridium difficile?
Clostridium difficile, also known as C. diff, is an antibiotic associated diarrhoeal illness.
