Strict hand hygiene saves lives
Hand hygiene initiatives for healthcare workers and communities can prevent risk of infection.
The Life Dalview Hospital will be increasing awareness of hand hygiene amongst its employees by implementing a number of in-hospital activities for World Hand Hygiene Day today (Saturday).
These initiatives include a hand hygiene relay, which will serve as a reminder to all healthcare workers of the importance of effective hand hygiene to ensure patient safety is not compromised.
Initiated in 2005 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Hand Hygiene Day is celebrated every year on May 5 as part of a major global intervention to improve hand hygiene.
The initiative was specifically designed to raise awareness of the critical role hand hygiene plays in the prevention of infection and of sepsis, particularly in healthcare.
“Infection prevention and control, which includes hand hygiene, is fundamental to safe patient care. It is an integral part of Life Healthcare’s clinical governance and is a major focus for delivering patient-centred care. It is therefore increasingly important to create and maintain awareness around infection risks, “says acting nursing manager, Carien van Rooyen.
“Celebrating this day will not only place greater focus on the fight against multidrug-resistant organisms and the prevention of infection in healthcare but will highlight how both healthcare workers and members of the public can make a significant contribution towards a healthier, safer hospital environment.”
Read: Water Wednesday: Water, sanitation and hygiene awareness
The hands are one of the most significant contributors to cross-contamination and cross-infection – in the home and hospital environment.
Studies show that sixty per cent of South Africans do not wash their hands properly after using the toilet and 66 per cent of South Africans do not wash their hands with soap.
Furthermore 75 per cent of illnesses in homes can be prevented by using hygiene products and maintaining good hygiene habits such as hand-washing.
A five-second splash under water may make hands appear cleaner and remove any visible dirt, however, it is not very effective in getting rid of the harmful germs that can cause infection, especially at critical moments – after using the toilet, after cleaning a child and before handling food.
Globally, infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, posing a major threat to people as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective.
This has resulted in longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality.
A 2005-2007 South African study found that the following infections can be prevented through good hygiene habits:
- Eighty per cent of gastrointestinal infections (including vomiting and diarrhoea)
- Seventy per cent of respiratory infections (including colds, flu and ear infections)
- Seventy per cent of skin infections (abscesses, boils, eczema, impetigo, ringworm, scabies and pink eye).
Also read: The importance of hand hygiene
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