Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were paramount.
From the steps we all took in our daily life to major changes in how services were delivered, the importance of IPC to minimise transmission of the virus were at the forefront of everybody’s thoughts. This is why we have released a new video to explain IPC and to outline the importance of hand hygiene.
Staying safe in hospital during Covid
[Music] Title: Staying safe in hospital during Covid: How we keep you safe and how you can help us.
Rebecca: Hello, I’m Rebecca Denton-Smith, lead nurse for infection prevention and control at North Tees.
I’m here to show you some of the ways that we continue to keep our patients and staff safe throughout Covid.
You’ll notice all of our colleagues are wearing medical grade face masks. They do this everywhere in the hospital. We also wash our hands regularly and follow a simple policy called ‘bare below the elbows’ so cuffs and watches, etc. don’t come into contact with multiple patients.
You will find a plentiful supply of spare masks and hand gels. Please feel free to use these.
We also continue to test our patients and ourselves regularly for COVID-19.
[Music] Title: How can you help us?
Rebecca: So how can you, as a patient, help us to protect yourself, other patients and our staff?
If you are coming into hospital for an elective procedure, please follow any advice regarding testing and reducing social contact before coming in.
Please let us know if you’re developing signs and symptoms of COVID-19. This may include a temperature, a cough or changes to your taste and smell.
Don’t be afraid to tell us and we’ll get on to treating you and protecting others.
We ask that you put on a face mask whenever you leave your bed and wash or gel your hands regularly.
You may want to chat with other patients during your stay. Please always keep your distance.
We recognise the importance of visiting to our patients and for the time being we are limiting visiting to two people per patient.
Please book in advance, wear a mask and don’t come in to visit if you are feeling unwell.
We all want to move forward from COVID-19. Please follow these steps to do your bit. Thank you.
Staying safe in hospital during Covid
Rebecca Denton-Smith is our lead nurse for infection prevention and control and the video’s host. She said: “Our Infection prevention and control team has one simple aim: to keep everyone safe from infections.
“Patient safety is our priority and we will never falter in our efforts.
“We want to remind anyone coming to our hospitals of the importance of following our guidance. This is to keep themselves and every other patient safe.”
Hospital in-patients are tested for COVID-19 regularly. And all patients are asked to let staff know if they start feeling unwell or are developing symptoms of COVID-19.
We also ask all patients to help protect themselves and others by wearing a face covering when moving away from the bed space. And by regularly washing their hands and keeping their distance whenever they can.
“We want your time in hospital to be as safe as possible so you can get home as soon as possible.”
The Trust also reminds all visitors that face coverings are still required when coming to hospital to see a loved one on the wards.
