Teddy bears facing ban from Wirral hospitals

Jun 25 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

TEDDIES could be on the banned list at Wirral’s hospitals.

As part of the relaunch of Hospital Cleaning Standards, which started this week, infection control experts at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge are asking visitors to not only wash their hands when visiting loved ones but also to carefully choose “get well” gifts.

And that, they say, could apply to cuddly toys and cards.

Senior infection control nurse Carmel Edwards said: “Cards and cuddly toys are lovely but they can get in the way of the regular and thorough cleaning that takes place daily in our hospitals.

“We want to make sure that wards are cleaned to the very highest standard but it can be very difficult to clean a bed area which is cluttered.

“We are therefore asking visitors to consider bringing other practical gifts, such as toiletries, tissues or small amounts of fruit or wrapped confectionery which can be easily tidied away in a bedside locker.”

New posters reminding patients and visitors about the steps they can take to limit the spread of infections are being displayed in every ward from this week and leaflets are being issued to every patient.

Ms Edwards added: “We know some patients worry about the risk of contracting an infection but we want to reassure them that we are doing everything possible to ensure that their treatment is a success.

“They should feel free to tell a member of staff if the hygiene standards are not being met so they can be addressed as soon as possible”.

l WHAT do you think about this plea by the hospitals? Will it make a difference? Add your comments on Wirral Forums at www.wirralnews.co.uk