Infection Control

Patients in hospital are in a vulnerable condition and they can be made ill by infections that would not generally affect someone who is fit and well. To control this we will take 'screening samples' from some patients either whilst they are in hospital or while they are waiting to be admitted. If we find an infection before admission or it develops whilst you are in hospital we may need to care for you in a single room.

When giving some types of care in hospital staff wear plastic aprons and gloves to protect patients and themselves from contamination. This does not mean that you have an infection but is a routine part of practice.

Hand washing is very important in avoiding the spread of infection. Please make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after using the lavatory and before eating. All staff should have clean hands before carrying out any part of your care. They will either wash them at the sink or use the alcohol hand rub. If you are not sure that their hands are clean please feel free to ask them.

If your visitors are unwell with colds or upset stomachs please ask them to put off visiting until they are better. They can also help by cleaning their hands with the alcohol hand rub on entering and leaving the ward. You can find them at all the ward entrances and at the 'Bug Stop' stations.

Recent Figures

More detailed information about how the Ipswich Hospital is meeting the challenge of infection control can be seen in regular Infection Control Performance Reports. Click here to view the most recent report.

Cleaning Arrangements at the Ipswich Hospital

Cleaning Frequencies – In accordance with the Health Act 2006 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Health Care Associated Infections the Ipswich Hospital is required to make this information publicly available. We intend to increase frequencies for cleaning activities and to raise standards of cleaning in higher risk areas. This section will be updated as changes are made. The hospital has recently committed to clean all sanitary facilities on wards in accordance with the Department of Health National Specifications for Cleanliness.

Click here to view the Ipswich Hospital's cleaning work schedules.

In our ongoing commitment to infection prevention and control, this hospital produces a regular Infection Control Newsletter for staff, patients and visitors to share information and promote good practice.

Click here to view Issue 3: June 2008.