Infection control for clinic and practice receptionists

The front line

Receptionists are often the first to meet an unwell patient. Simple steps reduce the spread of respiratory and other infections in the waiting room.

Good practice

• Offer masks and hand rub to patients with respiratory symptoms, and follow your practice's procedure for where they wait.
• Keep hand rub available at the desk and use it often.
• Wipe shared items — pens, EFTPOS machines, clipboards and counters — regularly.
• Keep tissues and bins within reach in the waiting room.
• Stay home when you're unwell.

Specimens and spills

Handle specimen containers with gloves and follow your practice's procedure for spills at the desk.