Infection prevention and control nurses have been raising awareness with staff, patients and visitors of the importance of hand hygiene to prevent Health Care Associated Infection.

Over 1,000 individual members of staff, patients and visitors signed up to show their commitment to hand hygiene by signing a paper hand. These hands were used to form a number of commitment trees. 

Lesley Smith, Senior infection prevention and control nurse, said: “Hand hygiene is the most important weapon we have against the spread of infection.  It was great to get so many people to sign up to commit to good hand hygiene. Good hand washing with soap and warm water or using the hand gel can help reduce the spread of infections. We need to fight infection together so it is vital that visitors help us too when they come to our hospitals and health centres.”

When visiting a friend or relative in hospital or other environment where healthcare is provided, people are advised to:

• Avoid visiting if you are unwell, e.g. with diarrhoea and vomiting
• Use the hand gels which can be found at the entrances to wards and departments when entering and leaving.
• Remind staff to clean their hands when caring for their loved ones
• Remember to wash your hands when you have been to the bathroom
• If you are caring for a loved one with symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, wash your hands with soap and water