Infection Control on ICU

Infection control

Patients in Intensive Care are more at risk of getting infections. This is mainly due to patients being so unwell but also due to some of the procedures necessary when critically ill. The breathing (or endotracheal) tube, for example, provides essential breathing support, but can increase the risk of chest infections. The IV tubes and drips we use to monitor the patient or give fluids and medications can also increase the risk of infections in the blood. To help reduce infections, we ask visitors to clean their hands when they enter and leave the unit by using the spray foam, alcohol gel or by washing their hands.  

Visitors will also be asked to wear a plastic apron at the bedside. All the staff on the ICU’s will wear raspberry-coloured uniforms (‘scrubs’), aprons and gloves and must always clean their hands before and after caring for patients.

PPE- Personal protective equipment – staff where PPE to protect against the spread of specific infections like COVID-19 or Influenza. You may be asked to wear PPE when visiting a relative or friend.