ALONG with covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, simply cleaning your hands does the most to reduce human rates of sickness and infection.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Even today, hand hygiene still remains the single most important factor in reducing the transmission of infectious diseases in hospital settings.
It’s a good reason for Southern NSW Local Heath District (SNSWLHD) to celebrate yet again World Hand Hygiene Day with displays and events throughout the region.
“Much time and effort has been invested into improving the hand hygiene compliance of our staff over the last few years,” SNSWLHD chief executive Dr Max Alexander said.
“It’s something we are always auditing.
“Our most recent results identified a district compliance rate of 80.5 per cent, above the state benchmark of 70 per cent and the National average of 79 per cent.
“Not only are we educating and auditing our staff, we have made it easier for everyone by placing alcohol-based hand-rub at all beds.
“We have also completed an upgrade of the hand-washing products at hand-basins in every facility across the Local Health District.”
The hand hygiene products have been selected to be effective, user-friendly and gentle on skin.
“We encourage everyone to clean their hands as they enter and leave our facilities by using the pink hand rub on wall-mounted or display stands,” Dr Alexander said.