Washing our hands or using alcohol hand rub is the most effective way of preventing the spread of common infections in hospitals. Patients are at particular risk of developing infection. In 2017 it was estimated by Public Health England that 6.6% of acute hospital patients had some form of health care associated infection. At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals we are determined to minimise this risk by asking all staff, patients and visitors to adhere to the highest possible standards of hand hygiene at all times.
What is the best way to clean your hands?
Hands can be cleaned in several ways, all of which are effective in removing bacteria and viruses.
• Hand washing using liquid soap and warm water.
• Using alcohol hand rub. • Hand wipes.
The Trust endorses the World Health Organisation 5 Moments for hand hygiene and a ‘bare below the elbows’ policy for all staff that are in contact with patients or equipment within the patient zone. Hands must be decontaminated:
• before touching a patient
• before clean/aseptic procedures
• after body fluid exposure/risk
• after touching a patient
• after touching patient surroundings
Hand Hygiene for Visitors
The 5 moments for hand hygiene for visitors are:
1. On entering a ward Use the alcohol hand rub located at the entrance to prevent taking harmful bacteria or viruses into the ward environment.
2. Before patient contact Clean your hands when approaching the patient at their bedside to protect the patients skin from harmful bacteria or viruses.
3. Before assisting with patient meals Clean your hands before you handle patients food to protect the patient from swallowing harmful bacteria or viruses.
4. After visiting the toilet or bathroom Please wash and dry your hands before leaving the toilet or bathroom to prevent you from spreading harmful bacteria or viruses around the hospital environment.
5. After contact with the patient surroundings Clean your hands when you leave the patients bed side to protect yourself and to prevent spreading harmful bacteria or viruses around the hospital environment.
How to wash your hands
Follow these NHS guidelines for Hand Hygiene Technique
