Hospital managers take on new 'medics'

The Trust will display lifesize cutouts of three members of staff in all key public areas and wards to remind visitors, patients and staff about infection prevention.

Those features are accident and emergency consultant Andy Lockey, consultant anaesthetist Julie O'Riordan and consultant surgeon Suhail Anwar.

Dr Lockey said: "Handwashing seems simple and obvious yet it is proven to be the single most effective means of infection control and prevention in all areas of our hospitals.

"It is vital that our visitors and patients continue to recognise this and keep their hands clean in hospitals."

The Trust's infection rates have continued to decrease the past few years.

In the recent Care Quality Commission in-patient survey, the Trust's infection control campaign was among the best in the country.

Since 2004, rates of MRSA bacteraemia have more than halved and cases of clostridium difficile are down by two thirds.

A spokesman said the Trust has been asked to reduce rates still further this year – so the challenge remains to maintain the effort right across the board.

Director of infection prevention and control David Birkenhead said: "These model signs have proved to be very effective in reminding everyone in our hospitals of the importance of basic hand hygiene and we are delighted when we see so many members of the public following the advice.

"Our staff need the support of our patients and visitors at all times and in all areas.

"We thank everyone for their support so far and ask them to continue to give us their support."

Foundation Trusts were established to try to improve health service standards and are overseen by independent boards rather than other NHS management structures.