Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Very few people, be they of what class they may, have any idea of the exquisite cleanliness required in the sick-room.'
Florence Nightingale 1860

The importance of good hygiene in hospitals and care homes is never out of the headlines - especially when it's bad.

However, many staff and carers have come up with simple ideas to improve hygiene and they don't cost a fortune!

• 'The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle has some great ideas', says grateful patient
• A box of labelled food in the ward kitchen can help a patient who is struggling to enjoy food
• Alzheimer's Society explain how to understand and respect someone with dementia
• Bed bathing - a gentle conversation can be reveal hidden worries and minimise embarressment
• British Geriatric Society launch campaign 'Do not forget the person'
• British Red Cross offer therapeutic care
• Many patients may be reluctant to eat because their teeth or mouth are sore..but not everyone checks
• Derby City General Hospital backs 'Professional Concern' to improve patients' basic care
• District Nursing Student shares her thoughts on foot care
• DIY foot spa can be a relaxing treat for some long term patients
• Gold Painted Toilet Plunger awarded to best 'jack of all trades' volunteer
• Hand washing can make the world of difference to patients in bed
• Handwashing after meals is hygenic and restores the dignity of vulnerable patients
• If a patient can't sleep...there may be a reason!
• Juliet Shaw, District Nursing Student offers her thoughts on care in the community
• Nurses offers advice relevant to all patients but especially the terminally ill
• New Newton Abbot hospital guarantees patients a room with a view
• Bancroft Gardens Residents enjoy photo session with full make up and hair-dos
• Regularly checking if a patient is happy with everything is so important
• Relatives and Residents Association encourage oral hygiene with 'Keep Smiling' campaign
• Relatives can unintentionally compromise the dignity of their loved ones.
• Shoes and Slippers that fit correctly are so important for patients in hospital or care homes
• Cystic Fibrosis sufferer offers personal advice on making the best of a hospital stay
• Sister P's simple ideas make a huge diffence to patient care
• Washing bed-bound patients feet in warm water can be very theraputic
• Soaking parts of your body in water can delight a bed-bound patient
• Broomfield hospital 'tape around beds' gives reassurance about cleanliness to patients
• Derby's hospitals' Thoroughly Modern Housekeepers
• Thoughtful advice for a patient needing long term care for a leg ulcer
• Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust encourages children to have healthy lifestyles