Infection Prevention and Control at UCLH

Screening (also known as ‘testing’) is undertaken to see if a patient is carrying a specific microorganism such as bacteria or virus. Samples are taken by swabbing areas of the body or by sending samples such as urine or stool. 

Screening may be done before you come into the hospital e.g. prior to some surgeries. 

You may also be screened while you are admitted either as part of a routine screening programme in some areas of the hospital such as in haematology wards and critical care units or screening can be based on your current symptoms.  

You will be advised by your clinical team if you will require screening before or during your admission. 

For more information on screening, please visit: Controlling Hospital Infections : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (uclh.nhs.uk).

Surgical site infection surveillance is carried out by a dedicated surveillance team. The aim is to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection. Specialities such as orthopaedic, spinal and cranial surgeries are monitored. 

Results of the surveillance are fed back to clinicians and relevant key stakeholders. High-risk and high-incidence areas are identified and improvement plans (formal and informal) are developed with clinicians. 

In addition to surgical site infection surveillance, the SSI team also support the Infection Prevention and Control Team in undertaking a wide range of infection control audits such as hand hygiene, invasive device and environmental audits to meet our annual plan targets. 

Measles is an airbourne infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. 

The first symptoms of measles include: 

• a high temperature 
• a runny or blocked nose 
• sneezing 
• a cough 
• red, sore, watery eyes 

If you have the above symptoms and about to attend an appointment in UCLH, please inform the clinic prior so they can undertake an assessment. This helps to avoid potential transmission of infection to patients and staff.  

Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. 

For more information, visit: Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

Respiratory viruses are spread by coughing and sneezing. There are different groups of viruses that circulate all year round such as Flu and COVID-19 and they are especially common in the winter months.  

Most people infected with a respiratory virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. 

Flu-like symptoms include:  

• Fever (38 degrees C and above) 
• Shortness of breath 
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Sore throat 
• Fatigue  
• Headache 
• Aching limbs 
• Lack of appetite 
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea 

If you have a fever and any two of the above symptoms, please do not visit the hospital. 

For more information, please visit: Flu information for patients and visitors : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (uclh.nhs.uk) 

Norovirus (also called ‘winter vomiting bug’) causes vomiting and diarrhoea. 

The virus is very easily spread by contact with infected vomit or stools; or by touching surfaces or objects which are contaminated with the virus, or by consuming food or drink which has been contaminated with the virus. 

It is highly contagious and is known to cause outbreaks in hospital.  

Hand washing with soap and water and isolation are important for preventing the spread. 

For more information, please visit: Norovirus : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (uclh.nhs.uk).