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Preventing infection

The most powerful thing a visitor can do

ICU patients are more vulnerable to infection than anyone else in the hospital. The single most powerful protection is clean hands, use the hand rub before entering and after leaving, every single time.

Please avoid visiting if you have a cough, cold, or fever, follow the unit's visiting guidance, and never touch the tubes, dressings, or machines. These small disciplines genuinely save lives.

Key points

  • Use the hand rub before entering and after leaving, every time
  • Do not visit if you have a cough, cold, or fever
  • Never touch tubes, dressings, or machines
  • Follow the unit's visiting time and visitor number guidance

Good to know

Twenty seconds of hand rub protects your loved one more than anything else you can do.

Intensive care equipment, with no people in view

This is general information for families. It does not replace the advice of your ICU team, please ask them about your loved one's specific condition. Have questions? Our ICU team is happy to explain, please ask.