Infection Control

Hand Hygiene

Cleaning your hands is one of the simplest, cheapest and most effective ways to prevent bacteria (germs) being passed from person to person. A third of infections are preventable and our hospital wards and clinical areas have alcohol hand gel dispensers available for staff and visitors to use to prevent the spread of infections.

Who Should Clean Their Hands?

All hospital staff, patients and visitors should clean their hands on a regular basis. Hospital staff can help protect you by washing their hands or by cleaning them with the alcohol hand gel before examining you or providing care. If a member of staff needs to examine you, do not be afraid to ask if they have cleaned their hands. Patients and visitors are also welcome to use the alcohol hand gel to clean their hands before and after entering a clinical area.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

• After visiting the toilet or using a commode
• Before eating or handling food
• If your hands are dirty
• Before visiting a patient and again before leaving the ward
• All staff should clean their hands if they have direct contact with you

It's also important to remember the following:

• Remove all jewellery before cleaning your hands.
• Keep nails short, as this will make it easier to clean your hands properly.
• If you have a wound dressing, stitches, drips or catheters try not to touch them unnecessarily.

The Trust is participating in the National Patient Safety Agency Clean Your Hands campaign and you can find out more about this using the link on the right.