Infection Control
Infection control is a matter of great public concern, which is why NHS Lanarkshire has introduced a range of initiatives to help combat infection. NHS Lanarkshire has a Health Care Associated Infection Service which includes specialist infection control teams in each acute hospital and in primary care. NHS Lanarkshire recently appointed a nurse consultant for HAI who will co-ordinate infection control throughout Lanarkshire.
Staff are trained to use standard precautions when dealing with patients to limit the spread of infection. There is a Lanarkshire-wide Control of Infection Manual, which meets all national guidelines, and audits are regularly performed to ensure staff are complying with its policies and procedures.
An action plan is also in place promoting and monitoring continuous improvement in levels of hospital cleanliness. Wards and departments are subject to regular checks to ensure they are meeting rigorous levels of cleanliness and we have a senior director with overall responsibility for hospital hygiene and cleaning.
Staff have introduced their own initiatives to help raise awareness of infection control issues and these include the use of alcohol gel hand rubs - now a nationally endorsed programme. Wards display posters informing the public of the role they can play in combating healthcare acquired infections and infection control advice for patients and visitors is available on this website.