Infection Control

Infection Prevention

In order to help reduce the risk of infection, we would ask that you have a bath or shower on the morning of your operation. It is important that the area to be operated on is clean and the skin intact.

Do not use body lotions, perfume, aftershave, make-up, false-tan, deodorant or talc on your admission to hospital. Please do not shave the area to be operated on.

Please contact us as soon as possible if

• You have been given a course of antibiotics for any reason in the four weeks prior to admission.
• You are experiencing any of the following symptoms in the three days leading up to your admission – Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Cough, Cold/Flu like symptoms, generally unwell.
• You think you may have been exposed to an infection prior to admission (e.g. Chickenpox)

Things you can do to help

• Bring personal toiletries including soap and a flannel.
• Bring moist hand wipes.
• Always wash your hands after using the toilet.
• Try to keep your room free from clutter.
• Wear something on your feet when walking around the hospital.
• Inform your friends and family not to visit if they have a cough, cold or other illness.

Hand hygiene is extremely important in the prevention and control of infection in hospitals. We would ask that you use the alcohol hand gels provided in your room and the ward areas before leaving and entering. We would also ask that you encourage your visitors to do the same.