Infections can be introduced and spread by patients and visitors. This leaflet gives you general advice about some of the things you can do to help keep yourself and the person you are visiting safe during their stay at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

  • All wards are cleaned every day and it is important that these areas are kept free from clutter so they can be cleaned thoroughly. Whenever possible please take home any suitcases, unnecessary clothing, personal possessions and perishable food to assist the staff to keep the ward clean.

  • If you have any concerns regarding the cleanliness of the environment, please report this to a member of staff.

  • Please do not bring flowers in as gifts, as they are not practical within a ward environment. Bringing in lots of cuddly toys and bulky items which take up a lot of space are not advised.

  • If you cough or sneeze, it is important to always cover your mouth/nose with your hand or a tissue, dispose of used tissues in the nearest bin, and please make sure you have cleaned your hands afterwards.

  • There may be occasions when staff ask you to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), please assist us by complying with this request. Please discuss this with a member of staff if you have any questions, or are struggling or need assistance.

  • Bringing in home cooked meals or shop bought ready meals that need to be reheated is discouraged. In circumstances when this may be helpful, please ensure that a member of staff is informed so that items can be stored safely and reheated correctly.

  • You must not visit if you have an infection or suspected infection yourself. If they are in doubt they should contact the ward or department in advance.

  • If the person you are visiting has an infection, or suspected infection that can pass from person to person, visiting restrictions may be required. You will be advised of this by a member of staff.

Hand hygiene

Keep hands clean, viruses and bacteria can stay on surfaces for some time.

Please wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser before and after visiting.

It’s ok to remind staff that we need to clean our hands, reminders can help us all to look out for each other.

Key times for hand hygiene include:

  • Before and after meals, or handling food.

  • After using the toilet.

  • After using tissues to blow your nose, or for coughs and sneezes.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from spreading, but they do not work for everything. Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without using antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs. The doctor will provide advice on whether the person you are visiting requires them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when not needed, can mean they will not work in the future.

Help with infection prevention and control

Infection prevention and control precautions can seem complicated but please ask a member of staff if you or your family need any further information or advice.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email PALS@lscft.nhs.uk

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12noon to midnight.

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week.