12th September 2008
Milton Keynes Hospital has installed hand wash basins in the main reception and at other entrance points around the Trust, so that relatives and other visitors can wash their hands on arrival. Milton Keynes is one of the first Trusts in the country to further improve handwashing facilities for the public, and this is just one of the steps taken to help further reduce healthcare associated infections (HAIs).

Milton Keynes Hospital is one of the best performing NHS Trusts in the country for controlling MRSA and other healthcare associated infections. The Trust has only had 2 cases of MRSA since April 2008, and consistently has one of the lowest rates of the infection in the country. Our C.diff rates are also consistently low.

Angie Legate, Assistant Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Milton Keynes Hospital, said: “All hospital staff are expected to wash their hands or use a foam cleanser before and after any patient contact. The Trust checks this by carrying out audits in all clinical areas, with staff being regularly observed to ensure they cleanse their hands at the right times and use the correct techniques.”

“Signage around the hospital has recently been further improved to ensure that all visitors are aware that hand washing or foam cleansing should be carried out before touching a patient, and before they leave the ward to ensure that infections are not home.”

“While you are visiting the hospital if you have any questions about hygiene you can talk to a Ward Manager or Matron – their names and contact details are displayed on each ward.”

The Trust has a number of ways in which visitors can reduce the risk of passing bugs to patients. A sink has been installed in the main entrance, so that visitors and patients can wash their hands on arrival. Foam dispensers are located at the entrance to each ward and there are and sinks are available in each ward bay, as well as another foam dispenser on each adult bed.

Bob Heavisides, Director of Facilities, said: “Working to improve infection prevention is all part of our number one priority to make Milton Keynes Hospital as safe as possible. As a Trust we are committed to working hard to reduce and minimise healthcare associated infections.”

Milton Keynes Hospital has worked with their Members' Council, an integral part of the NHS Foundation Trust, to ensure that the wider public and patients were consulted regarding improvements to handwashing signage.

Fighting Infection - How You Can Help

Everyone can help combat infections by following these simple steps:

• Always wash your hands or use the alcohol based foam before/on entering and when leaving clinical areas (such as wards). MRSA and other healthcare associated infections are usually passed on by human contact, often from the skin of the hands, which is why washing and cleaning hands is so important in our efforts to reduce infection rates.
• When you wash or use foam make sure you cover the whole hand, including the backs of the hands and in between the fingers, not just the palms. There are signs next to sinks that will show you the correct technique if you wish to practice this, or teach your children good hand hygiene.
• If you are concerned that staff are not cleaning hands or adhering to infection prevention procedures, please remind them.
• Report any empty soap or foam dispensers to ward staff.
• Help us to keep the hospital clean – leave public areas as you would like to find them.
• When in hospital avoid sitting on patients’ beds.
• Always wash your hands after using the toilet, and before and after preparing food.