Infection control

Coronavirus advice for visitors

People with coronavirus can have very mild or no symptoms at all. This means they can spread the virus to other people without knowing.
We provide care for vulnerable people and our staff see lots of patients each day. It is important we all take responsibility for reducing the spread of coronavirus. We want to keep you, your family, other patients and our staff safe. Because we care, we might ask you to do things differently while you are here.

As more and more people are vaccinated and lockdown restrictions gradually ease, it's still vital we keep up with all guidelines. Covid has not gone away.

A useful video on NHS England's new public health campaign - Every Action Counts - has been launched to explain more.

Keep hands clean 
Coronavirus and other viruses and bacteria can stay on surfaces for some time. To protect yourself and your loved ones, please wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser as often as possible. Try not to touch your face (mouth, nose, eyes) as this is an easy way to spread the virus.

Wear a mask
Wearing a mask reduces the risk of you passing coronavirus to other patients and staff, so please wear your mask to protect others while you are here.  Even if you don’t have any symptoms, it is important you wear your mask properly (covering your nose and mouth) at all times. If you can’t wear a mask for any reason, please talk to your care team about what to do. If you have a carer or visitor coming to see you, they will also be asked to wear a mask or face covering to protect us all.

Make space for others
As well as wearing a mask, we all need to remember to make space for other people. Leaving at least two metres between you and other people is one of the main things you can do to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus. 

General advice for hospital visitors

How can you help us fight infection in the hospital environment?

Do not visit the hospital if:

  • You feel unwell Nurse supporting a patient

  • You have a cough or a cold in the last 48 hours (two days)

  • You have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the last 72 hours (three days)

When visiting please:

  • Do not use patient toilets

  • Do not sit on patients’ beds

  • Do not share food with patients or sit at the patient's bedside while eating

Handwashing advice for visitors

Please use the sinks at the entrance to the wards, or the nearest sink to the entrance, to wash your hands with soap and water. If you are visiting someone who is being barrier-nursed, please wash your hands in the sink in the side room when entering and leaving their room.

Why should you wash your hands?

The most common way germs are spread is by them being carried on people’s hands. Handwashing prevents any germs from outside the hospital being brought into the ward environment and being passed on to the patients or contaminating the clinical environment. Washing hands properly with soap and water can help protect not only patients but you, your family and others.

Advice for patients

If you are a patient, or you are going to be a patient, and you have worries or concerns about any infection control issues, please speak to ward/clinic staff. If they are unable to help, please ask them to contact the infection control team.

As a patient

As a patient, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support. 

Patient Advice and Liaison service  Contact the Trust