This leaflet gives you general advice about some of the things you can do to stay safe during your 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 send any suitcases, unnecessary clothing and personal possessions and perishable food home to assist the domestic staff to keep the ward clean.

  • If you find that your bed area is not clean, please tell the nurse in charge.

  • If you are unable to leave washing or toileting facilities clean for the next person to use or you find the toilet or bathroom is dirty, please tell the nurse in charge immediately.

  • Attention to personal hygiene is important in reducing the risk of infection and please ask a member of staff for support if you need help with this.

  • Ensure you have enough toiletries for your needs, these cannot be shared with other patients. Please let staff know if you don’t have access to toiletries. Staff can also provide hand and face wipes if you are unable to get up to wash your hands regularly.

  • Any wounds you may have should be covered with a dressing.

  • If any dressings become wet or the wound has oozed through the dressing, please inform a member of staff so that a fresh dressing can be applied.

  •  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.

  • Please do not walk around in bare feet.

  • Never leave food that could ‘go off’ in your room. If this type of food is brought in by visitors please inform a member of staff.

In some cases they may be asked to take it home.

  • Always keep fruit and other snacks (biscuits, sweets etc.) covered in your room.

  • Do not share or accept food from other patients.

  • We recommend that patients do not order take away food.

  • There may be occasions when staff ask you or your visitors 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.

  • Visitors must not visit you in hospital if they have an infection themselves. If they are in doubt they should contact the ward or department in advance of planning a visit.

  • If you have or are suspected to have an infection that can pass from person to person, visitors may be unable to visit you. 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 as often as possible. If you are unable to go to the sink, or use the sanitiser ask the staff for cleansing hand wipes.

It’s ok to remind doctors, nurses and other patients 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. When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor’s advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you 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 the PALS Team.

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to Midnight

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110

24 hours a day, seven days a week

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.