THE public have a vital role to play in helping to prevent and reduce the spread of infection in healthcare settings, this was the key message as the Western Health and Social Care Trust launched its information leaflet on preventing the spread of infection in hospitals.

Marian Martin, infection control manager with the Western Trust, said, "The public have a crucial role in helping to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals and throughout other health and social care settings. Healthcare professionals and the general public must work together to help to reduce the risk of spreading infection. This leaflet outlines steps that patients and visitors can take to help prevent healthcare associated infections. One of the most important measures we can all take to prevent spreading germs is to clean our hands properly. A simple guide on how to clean your hands is illustrated in the leaflet.

"Visitors are asked not to visit the hospital if they are unwell with an infectious condition such as cold, flu, vomiting or diarrhoea. Visitors are asked not to sit on patients' beds and help patients keep their locker clutter free as this makes it easier to keep clean."

The leaflet was circulated this week in the Western Trust's Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals and all patients will receive this leaflet prior to admission or be given it on admission by healthcare staff and will also be encouraged to read the information.

"Any questions you may have in relation to the advice can be referred to the Western Trust's Infection control team or a member of the ward staff," Marian Martin added.

Pictured at the Launch of the Western Trust's Infection Control Leaflet are L-R: Marian Martin (Western Trust's infection control manager), Vincent Ryan (Western Trust's assistant director of secondary care), Paula Devine (Ward 3 & 4 manager), Alan Finn (Western Trust's director of nursing and older people's services), Mrs Margaret McMahon, and Dr Hodkinson (consultant physician).