Clinical audit
The Trust ensures that regular audits are carried out to monitor the environmental cleanliness and staff compliance with hand hygiene. The audits are presented at the infection prevention and control meeting.
Staff training and learning from incidents
Infection prevention and control forms part of the education of all new staff and all clinical staff are required to attend regular updates.
If a patient is identified with a MRSA bloodstream infection or C. difficile infectionwe will investigate thoroughly to help us identify if we need to make changes to the way we care for patients.
Cleaning
Keeping the environment clean helps to reduce the risk of infection and creates a more pleasant setting for patients, staff and visitors.
Cleaning staff working in Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust follow the national colour coding system for cleaning equipment to minimise the risk of cross infection. This means that different coloured cloths and mops are used for different areas of the ward/clinic, e.g. kitchens, bathrooms and general areas.
Cleaning standards are monitored regularly, but if you have any concerns please alert a member of staff as soon as possible.
Hand hygiene
Thorough hand washing with soap and water is the single most important thing you can do to help reduce the spread of infections to help protect you, your family and those around you.
Antibacterial gels are a quick and easy alternative to soap and water and are suitable for use in most situations (always use soap and water if you have sickness or diarrhoea or if you are advised to by staff). Liquid soap and antibacterial gels are widely available for use by staff, patients and visitors in all Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust hospitals and clinics.
The Trust takes hand hygiene seriously and uses a combination of policy, clinical audit and training to ensure that staff provide patients with the best possible care. If you think staff may have forgotten to wash or apply gel to their hands please remind them - they won’t be offended. In the community hospitals you will be given the opportunity to let us know if staff have cleaned their hands by completing the questionnaire when you are due to be discharged.
Appropriate use of antimicrobials
The Trust works with staff to ensure appropriate antimicrobials are used according to policy. This monitoring will also support reducing the risk of bacterial becoming resistant to these vital medications. If you are prescribed antibiotics please make sure you finish the course.
