World Hand Hygiene Day is held annually on May 5 and aims to educate and raise awareness about the importance of washing your hands.
Initiated in 2005 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the day forms 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.
As part of their continued efforts to promote good hygiene, Life Roseacres Hospital held several projects in honour of the day on Friday.
One of these projects saw a team led by Sr Doreen Seopa, visit the Grade R, One, Two and Three learners of Laerskool Die President.
During the visit, the team taught the children when and how they should wash their hands and why it is so important to do so.
“A five-second splash under water may make hands appear cleaner and remove any visible dirt. It is, however, not very effective in getting rid of the harmful germs that can cause infection, especially at critical moments like after using the toilet or before handling food,” Doreen said.
The learners thoroughly enjoyed the interactive presentation, presented by the dynamic Doreen, and shouted out answers and laughed as they learned.
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After the presentation, the children formed a big circle before the visiting nurses taught them a fun song that will help them remember how to wash and rinse their hands properly.
“The hands are one of the most significant contributors to cross-contamination and cross-infection in the home and hospital environment.
“I hope that each of you will take to heart what you have learned and go home and teach your friends and family what you have learned and the importance of clean hands and good hygiene,” said Doreen.
The hospital also aimed to increase awareness of hand hygiene among its own employees by implementing a number of in-hospital activities in honour of World Hand Hygiene Day.
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These initiatives included 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.
“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,” said hospital manager Henriette Pretorius.
“Celebrating this day will not only place greater focus on the fight against multi-drug resistant organisms and the prevention of infection in healthcare but will highlight how healthcare workers and members of the public can make a significant contribution toward a healthier, safer hospital environment,” she added.
To learn more about effective hand hygiene and how you can play your role in preventing the spread of infections through effective hand hygiene visit www.lifehealthcare.co.za.
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