Infection Prevention and Control

We’re committed to providing good quality services in a safe way.

To make sure our patients and staff are kept safe, our team offers support to help prevent infection outbreak, such as:  

• Monitoring specific organisms and conditions to create guidance for clinical staff
• Investigating infection related incidents
• Managing seasonal related risks such as Norovirus and influenza
• Developing evidence based policies and emergency planning
• Providing training and guidance for all staff
• Supporting our carer professionals in following all national guidelines and laws on infection control
• Working together with local and national organisations to make sure our services are safe

You can read our latest reports on our infection prevention and control measures.

Read our annual Infection Prevention and Control report 2017-2018 (pdf)

Read our annual Infection Prevention and Control report 2018-2019 (pdf)

Read our annual Infection Prevention and Control report 2022-2023 (pdf)

Whether you’re a patient, carer or member of staff, you can help us prevent the spread of infections. You can do this by making sure you: 

• Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, and before handling and eating food – even if your hands look clean, there may still be germs on them
• Put rubbish in the correct bins provided
• Don’t touch yours or anyone else’s wounds, dressings and medical equipment
• Let our staff know about any unclean areas or spillages so they can take appropriate action
• Ask staff if they’ve cleaned their hands before they provide you with care
• Don’t visit relatives if you're feeling unwell or have flu like symptoms, a heavy cold, diarrhoea and/or vomiting – make sure you’re free from symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting
• Call the relevant department before you attend an appointment if you or your carer have an infectious illness
• Tell your carer if you or a family member has an infectious illness, diarrhoea and/or vomiting - this will help us plan our visits to make sure the spread of infection is prevented

Contact times

If you have any questions about preventing infection, or you need to report something, you can contact our team.

Call 0118 960 5140

Email Infection.control@berkshire.nhs.uk

We have a number of information sheets to give you advice.

• How to control and prevent the spread of infections (pdf)
• Reducing your risk of infection (pdf)
• How to clean soiled patient clothing (pdf)
• Receiving care in isolation (pdf)
• What is C.diff (pdf)
• What is CPE (pdf)
• What is MRSA (pdf)
• MRSA Screening Information for patients, relatives and carers (read our leaflet) (pdf)
• Vancomycin Resistant enterococcus (VRE) Information for patients, relatives and carers (pdf)
• Viral Gastroenteritis (Norovirus) Information for patients (pdf)

You can find guidance on staying well, keeping others safe, and booking your vaccine, in the COVID-19 area of our website.

Visit the COVID-19 section to find out more (opens new browser tab)

Remembering to wash your hands properly, and often, can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Watch the NHS video below on how to wash your hands properly.

Visit the NHS website for more advice on hand washing (opens a new browser tab)