The Scottish Government

Top 5 Tips to combat Healthcare Associated Infection in Hospital

Chief Medical Officer Dr Mac Armstrong issued advice on July 26, 2004. intended to combat healthcare associated infection.

Dr Armstrong said: "Everyone has a key role to play. There has been a lot of recent media attention on Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI), which includes a number of bugs such as chest infections and diarrhoea.

"I welcome this attention, because we all have to sit up and take notice. NHS staff are doing a great deal, but we can't overcome this problem unless the public is also actively involved."

But how can you help as a visitor? Here are five top tips for the public in the battle against these bugs:

1. Think about keeping patients safe before you visit. If you, or someone at home has a cold or are feeling unwell - especially if it's diarrhoea - stay away until you're better
2. Think about what you take in to patients. Food is a treat best saved until they get home. Don't sit on the bed and keep the number of visitors to a minimum at any one time
3. The most important thing you can do is to wash and dry your hands before visiting the ward, particularly after going to the toilet. If there is alcohol hand gel provided at the ward door or at the bedside, use it
4. Never touch dressings, drips, or other equipment around the bed
5. Don't be afraid to raise concerns with members of staff in your hospital. Busy doctors (and that includes me) can sometimes forget simple things like cleaning hands before examining a patient. No NHS worker should take offence at a gentle and polite reminder

For further information about the Healthcare Associated Infections Task Force see HAITF