Infection Prevention & Control
Hand Hygiene
Hand washing / hygiene in the healthcare setting has been promoted for generations and is recognized as the single most important procedure for preventing infection. Every healthcare worker has a responsibility to prevent transfer of infection by adhering to and implementing optimal hand hygiene.
Remember ! Clean Hands Save Lives.
When to Clean your Hands
Wash hands when they are visibly contaminated with;
- Dirt
- Soil
- Organic material
- When entering and leving the hospital
- Before and after all patient contact
- After moving from a contaminated to a clean area
- Following contact with an individual patient
- Before and after eating
- After personal bodily functions such as blowing nose and using a lavatory
The 30 second rule with soap and water. It should take 30 seconds to wash your hands
Attached is a helpful Patient Information Leaflet on Handwashing. Please feel free to click and download the information.