Superficial surgical site infection (SSI) usually resolves quickly causing only short-term discomfort. However, SSI involving deeper tissues is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and increases the overall cost of care. Although SSI commonly originates in the operating theatre, signs and symptoms of infection often do not appear until patients have been discharged from hospital. Nurses in a range of clinical settings are involved in the care of patients who either develop or are at risk of developing SSI and therefore need to know how to advise and manage these patients.