News

Patients and carers remain anxious regarding potential hospital infections

Medical Advisory Service - Patient Communication Campaign –

Helping patients to help themselves

Just over a year ago research among 1500 patients revealed varying concerning their care and that of their relatives in hospitals and nursing homes alike.

Cleanliness and prevention of infection remain a worry involving care in hospitals, nursing homes and in the community. While there is nothing new about infections spread as a result in medical/nursing care, patients are far more aware of these through the media and scare stories seen and read on a daily basis.

Whilst government targets and professionals remain committed to reducing unnecessary infections in those at particular risk (the seriously /chronically ill, elderly, young), patients continue to call helplines for practical information and advice. Much of the information given would seem to be common sense.

If the area in which you are being cared for is not clean – regularly attended to – tell someone! The person in charge of your care (the named nurse) or in charge of the ward. If bathrooms and washing facilities are not clean and usable – again make sure this is pointed out. Bed linen should be changed regularly and whenever needed, if for example, you are unwell.

Anyone visiting your bed/bed area should use the disinfectant sprays/dispensers provided each time – it doesn’t matter if it is your grandchild popping in – or the Consultant with the team – germs are not fussy!

Nurses often get asked what patients can do themselves to lessen risks of common hospital infections – that is why we at Medical Advisory Service are working closely with PatientPak to promote self care and responsibility during inpatient care or courses or treatment. Being aware of your environment – or when looking after someone else –clinically proven products are now available for you to buy in pharmacies to use to cleanse yourself/the space around you – helping you to help yourself and those looking after you.

Says Kathleen McGrath, broadcasting nurse and Founder of the Medical Advisory Service

“Please don’t be afraid to ask questions and bring ward staff attention to grubby conditions or unclean areas. Take control of your own hygiene (or your relatives) by ensuring you have disposable cleaning products for your person and your environment. This is just as important to recovery as rest, good diet, and taking any medicines you are prescribed as recommended”.

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The Medical Advisory Service is a charity, set up by nurses, in 1986. We run helplines, operated by specially trained nurses - able to advise on many aspects of health/patient care.

Our nurses are the heart of the charity. We currently have nearly 40 nurses working with us

all over the UK on a variety of helpline projects. All highly qualified and professional - some have worked with MAS for nearly 15 years UNIQUE to MAS - most of our nurses are recruited through the Work Injured Nurses Group of the Royal College of Nursing. Disability or illness preventing their caring for patients in a clinical way in the NHS, we retrain them to work on helpline projects, they then continue to work with patients using their years of experience and knowledge.

last updated: 21st March 2011

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