Walsall Manor Hospital bid to beat infections

STAFF at Walsall Manor Hospital have literally 'rolled up their sleeves' in a bid to drive down the risk of infection spreading to patients.

All staff, including senior consultants, are now wearing short sleeved shirts and are banned from wearing watches and wrist jewellery when talking to and treating patients.

"Patient safety is paramount and we are committed to doing all we can to prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA and C.difficile (or Clostridium difficile)", said Medical director Mike Browne.

The 'Bare Below the Elbows' policy is part of measures to keep healthcare acquired infections to a minimum and follows government guidance on good practice.

"The new policy will help reduce the risk of cross infection and being bare below the elbow supports effective hand washing which is another key measure," added Mr Brown.

Staff who have direct contact with patients will wear short-sleeved shirts or tops, or ensure their long sleeves are rolled up to the elbow.

They will remove watches or other jewellery below the elbow – with the exception of a plain wedding ring – and either wear no tie, a bow tie or one that is secured to the shirt or tucked into a shirt or waistcoat.

Posters of consultants adopting the new scheme are being placed across the hospital as a reminder to staff.

Mr Brown said: "The posters are both a way of informing the public why the appearance of our colleagues is changing and to raise awareness of the need for good hand hygiene."

Handgel dispensers are provided at the entrance to wards and departments and clean your hands signs have been displayed around these and at washbasins and in toilets.