Information on Vaccines and Infections

Infection Control for Patients and Visitors

For you (patients)

• Clean your hands – especially before eating and after using the toilet. Sinks and hand rub are available, and this helps protect you and your baby from infection.
• Reduce clutter – keep belongings in lockers and bring only essentials to help keep the ward clean.
• Feel free to ask – all staff follow hand hygiene, but you can always ask if they’ve cleaned their hands before caring for you or your baby.
• Wear slippers – this helps keep your feet clean and prevents bacteria spreading to your bed. Please report any dirt or mess, and let staff know if dressings, wounds or drips become sore or loose.

For your visitors

• Stay away if unwell – visitors should be symptom-free for at least two days, especially after vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, cold or cough.
• Follow visiting times – this allows staff time to carry out important infection-control measures.
• Limit visitors – no more than two people at a time, to reduce infection risk. Visitors should clean their hands on arrival and leaving, and avoid sitting on beds.
• Use public toilets – not patient bathrooms, and always wash and dry hands thoroughly.

These simple steps help keep you, your baby and everyone around you safe.

Resources

Please find below some leaflets and websites that can teach you more about vaccines and infection prevention.