Infection prevention and control

Patient safety and reducing healthcare associated infection remains the number one priority of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust which has made significant investment into this area.

A package of measures has been introduced over the last few years and as a result, our hospital acquired infection rates have fallen significantly at Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital.

Generally, there has been a 40% reduction in the number of cases of Clostridium difficile and a significant 30% drop in MRSA cases.

The Trust has a lead Infection Prevention Nurse in place and a team of infection prevention nurses, who monitor rates and provide training for staff. Each ward now places an audit of their infection rates on their notice-boards.

Other measures include:

• Ensuring all staff within our hospitals are clear about their responsibilities with regard to infection prevention through mandatory training sessions
• A dress code for all our staff including our consultants who now go “bare below the elbow” – rolled up sleeves, short sleeves, no watches
• Introducing more hand-gel products at all wards entrances and by patient bedsides
• Daily monitoring and environment condition checks in all clinical areas
• Board-to-Ward sign-up on all infection control matters – this means that our Trust Board now receives monthly updates on all infection control issues.
• Timely isolation of patients who are admitted with infections

Hand washing

Our Trust has produced a video demonstrating how to wash your hands correctly.

Or for a fun, Gangnam Style alternative, visit www.washyourhands.org.uk.

Further information

Please use the links on the left hand side of this page to find further information concerning our infection prevention schemes and how you can also help to keep our hospitals safe from infection.