'Put a lid on it' and help stop infections
NHS trust advises closing toilet seats to avoid the spread of bugs
Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust is urging patients, staff and visitors to ‘put a lid on it’ when using hospital toilets in an effort to restrict the spread of infection.
At a time when Norovirus outbreaks are more likely and hospitals are continuing their battle to stamp out MRSA and C.difficile , Pippa Hart, a senior nurse at the Surrey trust, said small actions could have big consequences.
She added: “Closing the lavatory lid before flushing can help avoid unwanted germs, including the winter vomiting bug, norovirus. You may not realise it, but leaving the lid up can allow a cloud of bacteria to explode into the air, settling on nearby surfaces including towels, flannels and, more worryingly, toothbrushes.”
Research by Leeds Teaching NHS Trust has shown bacteria can be transported up to 10 inches above a toilet seat when it is left open and can still be found in the air up to an hour-and-a-half later.
- Companies:
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
