17 July 2024

We are currently experiencing significant pressure across the system with long waits for admission to the Borders General Hospital, bed closures for infection control reasons and delays in discharging patients home or to their next place of care.

In addition to high numbers of very poorly people requiring our care we are seeing increases in the number of patients with covid and norovirus so we are reminding staff and the public of the importance of hand hygiene to protect against spread of infection.

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family and friends from infections.

You should especially wash your hands:

  • after using the toilet or changing a nappy
  • before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables
  • before eating or handling food
  • after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
  • before and after treating a cut or wound
  • after touching animals, including pets, their food and after cleaning their cages

Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses including covid and norovirus as well as food poisoning, flu and diarrhoea.

If you do not have immediate access to soap and water then use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if available.

When you are attending one of our hospitals or health centres please use the hand gel dispensers available on entering and leaving the building, and individual wards and departments. If you feel unwell or are experiencing symptoms of infection please stay away and do not visit family and friends until you are better. This also helps prevent the spread of infection.

Sarah Horan, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “Covid and norovirus are circulating in our communities. It is essential that everyone plays their part in preventing the spread of these infections, one of the simplest ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones is by regularly washing your hands with warm water and soap.  

“Good hand hygiene saves lives. Please remember to regularly clean your hands. This is particularly important when visiting our hospitals and other health care settings such as your local GP practice, health centre or dental practice. Hand sanitiser is conveniently placed around healthcare settings, so when you see it, please use it.”

 

More information on good hand hygiene can be found here: How to wash your hands – NHS 24