Infection prevention experts at Crewe's Leighton Hospital are urging the public to help reduce the spread of winter illnesses, protecting vulnerable patients. 

As the colder months approach, the team are highlighting a range of simple steps for members of the public who visit someone in hospital. The advice includes:

• Visiting? Don't bring infections with you – do not visit someone or accompany them in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, diarrhoea, vomiting, or any other infectious condition
• Follow visiting guidelines – adhere to ward-specific rules on visitor numbers and times, and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if advised by staff
• Help keep hospitals clean – please report any litter or spillages to staff, and respect cleaning work in wards and other areas
• Wash your hands - regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after visiting someone in hospital
• Catch it, bin it, kill it – use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, dispose of them quickly, and wash your hands immediately

Infection prevention experts at Crewe's Leighton Hospital are urging the public to help reduce the spread of winter illnesses, protecting vulnerable patients (Ryan Parker).

Mid Cheshire Hospitals' IPC team works closely with clinical staff throughout the year to achieve these goals.

On Monday 20 October, IPC staff hosted a stall at Leighton Hospital's Crossroads, with a range of information including advice on hand washing and other top tips.

Senior Specialist IPC Practitioner, Kay McMeeken, told Nub News: "It is really important we shout about the importance of IPC and the difference it can make across all areas of healthcare. That's why things like IPC Week are vital for getting our message out there.

The team at Mid Cheshire Hospitals issued the appeal as part of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Week, which runs from 20 to 26 October (MCHT).

"As always, we ensure we've got everything in place to protect vulnerable patients and staff from infection and ensure the delivery of safe care. This includes important measures such as hand hygiene, use of PPE, and the cleaning of equipment and surfaces."

In line with Trusts across the country, during the colder months Mid Cheshire Hospitals expects to see a rise in the number of people admitted with winter illnesses.

The IPC team are encouraging those who are eligible to find out more about vaccinations available for flu and COVID-19.

They also expect to see an increase in the number of local cases of norovirus, often called the 'winter vomiting bug.'

The IPC team are encouraging those who are eligible to find out more about vaccinations available for flu and COVID-19 (Jonathan White).

The best way for those with the illness to prevent its spread is to stay at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop, avoid visiting hospitals or care homes during this time and disinfect surfaces and wash hands thoroughly and often.

Head of Infection Prevention and Control, Rebecca Consterdine, said: "At Mid Cheshire Hospitals, IPC is embedded in everything we do, from frontline care to behind-the-scenes planning. It's a cornerstone of safe, high-quality healthcare.

"It may seem like simple advice to follow, but IPC is not just about preventing the spread of germs, it os about protecting lives, supporting recovery, and ensuring our hospitals remain safe spaces for everyone."

READ MORE: Section of major Crewe road closes until November 29 causing 'horrendous' traffic.

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