Returning home from hospital
For the patient
Am I still at particular risk from a superbug, virus or bacteria-related illness?
How long will I be at risk of serious illness by superbugs, viruses and bacteria?
How can I reduce the risk of contamination when I return home?
Should I keep my antimicrobial products for future use?
For family and friends
How can we prepare the home for the patient's arrival?
What can we do to prevent the spread of dangerous germs at home?
For the patient
Am I still at particular risk from a superbug, virus or bacteria-related illness?You may still be carrying these pathogens, many of the germs continue to be shed for days, sometimes weeks after picking them up. Anyone who has been admitted to hospital recently has a higher risk of carrying these germs, and if you still have open wounds or are using medical devices such as catheters you will be at risk.
How long will I be at risk of serious illness by superbugs, viruses and bacteria?Whilst you are in recovery you will be at risk of becoming ill, as your immune system is still weakened. You will also have a high risk if you still have open wounds, or are using medical devices such as catheters.
How can I reduce the risk of contamination when I return home?Make sure that you wash clothes at high temperature (60°), or with a biological detergent at 40°, especially underwear and baby clothes. Make sure you frequently wash bed linen, towels and dish cloths. You should continue to follow hand washing procedures and general surface cleanliness.
Should I keep my antimicrobial products for future use?No. We recommend you dispose of toiletries and antimicrobial products when you leave hosital to reduce the risk of accidentally taking germs home with you.
For family and friends
How can we prepare the home for the patient's arrival?Have a thorough clean, paying special attention to handles, switches, kitchen surfaces (paying attention to frequently used items like kettles) and bathroom surfaces. Wash bed linen, towels and dishcloths with biological detergent or at a high temperature. If possible, it is a good idea to accommodate them separately from other members of the household, and make sure there is adequate ventilation. Ensure that pets can be kept away from the person in recovery.
What can we do to prevent the spread of dangerous germs at home?Wash your hands frequently and use an antimicrobial sanitiser, especially after contact with anyone ill or with pets. Make sure you do not share towels, facecloths or clothing with anyone who has been recently ill. Separate their washing from others, and wash with a biological detergent or at a high temperature. If a patient is likely to be bed-ridden or immobile for several days, consider a fresh regine of antimicrobial products to keep germs to a minimum.