Infection prevention and control

Infection control is our top priority

At Frimley Park, we understand how important it is for the public to know that their hospital is safe and clean. That is why infection prevention and control is our top priority.

We have made excellent progress in the battle against healthcare associated infections such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) but we will never be complacent. It is the responsibility of every member of staff toprotect our patients, visitors and colleagues by preventing infections. The single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection is good hand hygiene.

The hospital's infection, prevention and control team is available 24 hours a day. Their key responsibility is to advise fellow clinicians on appropriate management of specific infections, as well as prevention of infection by supporting and educating staff and undertaking surveillance on prevention and control of infection. You may contact team on 01276 546440.

In recent years the hospital has introduced a range of initiatives which have helped to reduce infections:

We screen all admitted patients both for planned and emergency care prior to admission. Frimley Park has been doing this since June 2007 although it is not mandatory until 2011. Patients who test positive for having MRSA on their skin have a higher risk of infection entering their bloodstream so we treat this with a special solution.
Constantly improving practice around the management of intravenous lines which is a common source of blood-borne infection
Each MRSA bacteraemia infection is reviewed by a director to establish the exact cause and what action could be taken to prevent recurrence
Hospital pharmacist with specific responsibility for monitoring our compliance with antibiotic policy
A dedicated training centre has been established for ward housekeeping staff to learn best practice
Increased our infection control team

How you can help

Patients and their visitors can play a vital part in our efforts to combat infection. Good hand hygeine is essential and one of the best ways to stop infections spreading. The following are ways in which you can join us in helping to keep you safe.

Please ask your visitors not to visit you if they are unwell, particularly if they have had diarrhoea or vomiting, or flu-like symptoms in the previous 48 hours
Please bring your own toiletries with you to hospital for your own use (liquid soap is preferable to a bar of soap)
Wash your hands before you eat or drink
Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet or commode - please ask if you need help or it is not offered
Use the hand gel each time you enter and leave a ward. Hand gel is also provided at the patients' bedside and at the main entrance to the hospital.
Refrain from sitting on other patients beds and ask your visitors not to sit on beds but use the chair provided instead
Please bring only essential personal items with you as we need to keep the bedside as free from clutter as possible to help with cleaning
Please do not bring in plants or flowers to the hospital
Please challenge hospital staff and ask "have you cleaned your hands" before they attend to you
If the ward is not up to the standard of cleanliness you would expect, please speak to the nurse in charge

If you have any questions relating to infection prevention and control issues, please ask the nurse in charge or contact a member of the infection prevention and control team on 01276 546440.

Download MRSA compliance

Download MRSA policy

Take a look at our video about cleanliness at Frimley Park Hospital