The best way to prevent bacteria passing from one person to another is by cleaning our hands. Hand gel dispensers are clearly displayed within clinical areas and where available at the entrance to clinics, wards or departments and we would be grateful if you could use them. To use the hand gel: squirt some gel onto the palm of one hand then rub your hands together vigorously making sure that you cover all areas of your hands and fingers. Keep rubbing your hands together until the gel evaporates. This should take 20-30 seconds. Hand washing with soap and water is also very important. Remember to wash your hands:
- After going to the toilet
- Before eating or drinking
- If your hands appear soiled
- If you have been in an area where either yourself or someone else has had diarrhoea or vomiting.
All our staff are trained to clean their hands before certain actions or tasks and have been provided with information to ensure they understand the importance of following the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. This is a World Health Organisation (WHO 2006) initiative designed at promoting global hand hygiene which the Trust have and continue to participate in. Please do not be afraid to ask staff if they have cleansed their hands if you are not sure that they have - it is so much better to ask at the time. You should also see many posters and notices promoting hand hygiene when you are at the hospital.