Yeovil District Hospital Support Hand Washing Campaign To Reduce Infections

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 11 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Yeovil District Hospital has welcomed the National Patient Safety Agency's renewed alert to NHS staff reinforcing the emphasis on hand hygiene as a significant factor in reducing infection in health.

The guidance applies to all NHS staff in England and Wales who have direct contact with patients.

Speaking of the "Clean Hands Saves Lives" alert, Martin Fletcher, Chief Executive of the NPSA said: "The patient safety alert highlights the need for all healthcare staff to clean their hands at the point of care - that is, the patient's immediate environment where treatment takes place - as this is when there is the greatest risk of transferring infection"

The NPSA recommends the use of alcohol handrub only on non-soiled hands as it is effective and quick to use. If hands are visibly dirty or if the patient has been experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea then the healthcare staff must wash their hands with liquid soap and water.

Director of Nursing at Yeovil District Hospital, Alison Moon said: "We have installed very visible hand stations, together with audio warnings, at the entrance to each ward area which are for the use of staff, patients and visitors. Our staff training reinforces the importance of following the NPSA procedures and our vigilance in ensuring our staff have clean hands, together with a range of other methods, ensures that we maintain a low rate of healthcare acquired infections here at Yeovil."

Yeovil District Hospital