As you enter the ward in Northwood you will notice that there are clinical sinks for staff conveniently located in recessed areas in the corridors, but there are only wash hand basins in the en-suite facilities for patients, and no water sources anywhere near the patient’s bed.

Northwood were keen to use evidence based research to drive the design of the building and ensure the safest possible outcomes for the patients to be treated there.  Many recent publications have supported the removal of water sources and drains from the patient area.

The main reasons for this are that :

• Patients, staff and visitors sometimes misuse sinks and dispose of food, drinks and medicines down the drains, and this can result in dangerous bacteria and germs multiplying there.
• Water carries microbes which are usually harmless, but in people with a low immune system or those with open wounds, these microbes can sometimes cause problems.  If water is sprayed onto a patient area from a tap, it can occasionally lead to issues such as wound infections.

• Before entering the ward area please wash your hands thoroughly
• Only use the hospital sinks to wash your hands with soap and water, and to brush your teeth
• Don’t dispose of anything down the sink to prevent germs from multiplying in the drains
• Don’t drink from the tap – we will provide drinking water in jugs for personal use
• Don’t store any personal items within 2 metres of any sink, shower or toilet to avoid contamination
• If you notice any problems with your sink, or shower – please let us know immediately so that it can be corrected.