THE Western Trust says it is supporting International Infection Prevention Week 2016.
It says it wants to share the message that we all have a role to play, whether in health care or as members of public, to break the chain of infection.
“There are things you can do when visiting hospital to help prevent the spread of infection like washing your hands before and after handling babies in hospital, and making sure you don’t sit on patients’ hospital beds,” said a Trust spokesperson.
“If you feel unwell, particularly if you have diarrhoea and/or vomiting, you shouldn’t visit anyone in hospital.
“And after being unwell you should wait until at least 72 hours after your symptoms stop before visiting the hospital.
“All visitors are asked to thoroughly wash their hands before and after visiting, for your own protection as well as for the prevention of the spread of infection to patients.
“These simple measures can make a real difference and will help support our staff to provide the best level of care to our patients and break the chain of infection.”