Washing and preparing before surgery
Please shower/bath/wash body thoroughly in soap and water on the morning of admission.
Dry yourself with a clean towel and put on clean underwear and clothes. This will reduce the risk of you developing a surgical infection.
Remove all jewellery and body piercings. If you are unable to remove them, please inform staff and they will put protective tape over them. Do not apply make-up. Remove false nails, extensions and nail varnish.
Hand hygiene
Washing your hands regularly is the best way to prevent infection. Alcohol-based hand rubs are very effective at killing germs but they are not a cure for all. All members of staff should wash their hands with soap and water, or use the alcohol hand rub, before they undertake any clinical care, such as taking your blood pressure. It’s OK to ask if you are not sure that hand hygiene has been completed.
You can also help us fight infection by cleaning your own hands. You will see wall dispensers containing alcohol hand rub outside the wards and at your bedside, as well as sinks for washing your hands. Please wash your hands or use the alcohol hand rub whenever you come enter or leave a ward. Please ask family and friends who visit you to do the same.
Infection control
You can expect your hospital environment to be kept clean and tidy. Your bed space will be cleaned by staff daily. You can help by trying to keep it clutter-free. Visitors can take home any belongings you no longer need. If you have any concerns about cleanliness please speak to your nurse, ward manager or the senior clinical nurse who will be happy to help.
Another way to keep the hospital free from infection is to screen patients before they are admitted to hospital for a planned procedure.
This involves taking a swab sample of your mouth, nostril and groin. This will be done during your pre-assessment appointment and it may be repeated during your inpatient stay. You will be informed and treated if the swabs are positive for an infection.
You may have drips, drains or catheters after your surgery. Please refrain from touching them, as this may increase your risk of infection.