Hospital infection prevention team issues public appeal to help stop spread of winter illnesses

Infection prevention experts at Leighton Hospital are urging the public to help reduce the spread of winter illnesses and protect 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.

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.

IPC is a vital part of patient safety, involving a range of practices designed to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses in healthcare settings.

Effective IPC helps to reduce hospital-acquired infections, improves recovery outcomes, and protects the most vulnerable patients including older people, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

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

In the run up to the coldest months, when there is a rise in winter illnesses, the team wants to raise awareness of how people visiting the Trust’s hospitals can support their efforts.

On Monday, 20th 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.

Kay McMeeken, Senior Specialist IPC Practitioner, said:

“It’s really important that 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.

“Winter is a challenging time for the NHS and infection prevention and control is something we can all play our part in. By following some simple steps, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also helping to safeguard patients, staff, and the wider community.”

In recent weeks, Kay has been focussing on work with the Trust’s Emergency Department to prepare for winter.

She said:

“Infection prevention and control is always crucial and none more so than in our busy Emergency Department, which is often a place where patients first arrive at the hospital before a diagnosis is given.

“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.

As a result, the IPC team are encouraging those who are eligible to find out more about vaccinations available for:

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/

The team also expect to see an increase in the number of local cases of norovirus – often called the ‘winter vomiting bug’.

They said 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.
• Disinfect surfaces and wash hands thoroughly and often.

Visitors can learn more about helping to prevent infection this winter at: 

http://www.mcht.nhs.uk/IPC

Rebecca Consterdine, Head of Infection Prevention and Control, 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’s about protecting lives, supporting recovery, and ensuring our hospitals remain safe spaces for everyone.”

Pictured - The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Infection Prevention and Control Team on their stand at Leighton Hospital for IPC Week 2025.