ERI considers new hygiene card scheme

Published on Monday 4 August 2008 10:56

The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is considering introducing a "welcome card" scheme containing hygiene advice for all new patients in a bid to combat superbugs.

Specialists at the hospital have approached the Cumberland Infirmary, in Cumbria, where the hospital's Maple team have used the cards to establish joint responsibility between patients and staff for a healthier hospital environment.

Inspired by the Matron's Charter, which promotes the ethos Our Ward, Our Problem, Our Solution, the team decided to look at how they could make changes for the better.

The cards also certified that their bed frame, mattress, locker, table and other equipment had been thoroughly cleaned prior to their admission.

The welcome cards are now being rolled out across the trust and some community hospitals, and the ERI is understood to be considering bringing a similar scheme to Edinburgh.