Hygiene and cleanliness

Ensuring that our hospitals and clinics are clean, safe and meet infection control standards, is a major priority for NHS Norfolk.

The main focus of work within infection control continues to be on the reduction of healthcare associated infections, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C.dif). The rates of these infections are closely monitored throughout the region and show a reduction on rates from last year (2008/09). We closely monitor infection control standards in all hospitals and healthcare locations, to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients.

What can I do to help?

The single most important way to reduce the spread of infections in the hospital or at home is through handwashing. If you are at home then a 10-15 second wash with hot soapy water, ensuring that all surfaces of the hands are washed and dried completely, will be effective.

If you are visiting a hospital, remember to clean your hands with the hand sanitiser. This is available on entering and leaving all hospital areas.

If you are ill with any type of infection or illness, and particularly if you have symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit the hospital. This will protect vulnerable patients from infections.

Clean hands? It’s OK to ask

If a healthcare professional needs to examine you or perform some sort of medical procedure, don't be embarassed to ask them if they've washed their hands.
For further information go to the Health Protection Agency website or NHS Choices