Bacteria are among the earliest known species of life on Earth and still survive today. They are all around us in our everyday lives and can be found in your home, in the workplace and out in the community. In fact, the human body contains ten times more bacteria cells than it does human cells. It is only when a person becomes very ill, their immune system does not work as well or a bacteria gets into the bloodstream that they can cause illness.

Here are our top tips on how you can help us reduce the spread of hospital infections:

• Use the alcohol hand gel provided on entry and exit to all wards, or at the bottom of every patients bed, or wash your hands with soap and water.
  
  
• Wash your hands after visiting the toilet, and if you wish you can use the alcohol hand rub to further minimise the risk of spreading any remaining germs.
  
  
• Do not visit if you are unwell - you should be free of any symptoms (eg sickness and diarrhoea) for two clear days before you visit.
  
  
• Do not sit on the patient’s bed. Please use the designated visitor chairs provided.
  
  
• Do not touch patient’s wounds, bandages, dressings or medical equipment such as drips.
  
  
• Patients should have their own toiletries and should never borrow from other patients.