Health bosses at NHS Yorkshire and the Humberare urging people to make sure they wash their hands and use the available hand gels when visiting relatives and friends in hospital.
Today (5 May) is the World Health Organisation’s Hand Hygiene Day. By simply practicing good hand hygiene you can help to prevent the spread of MRSA and other healthcare associated infections.
Director for public health at NHS North of England, Paul Johnstone, said:
“Visitors can carry an infection into hospital without knowing, but they can reduce the chance of spreading infections like MRSA to other people by cleaning their hands before and after entering the ward.
“Hand gel or hand wipe dispensers are often placed by patients' beds and at the entrance to clinical areas so visitors should make sure they use them.
“General hand hygiene can help us all avoiding a trip to the pharmacy or the doctor. We all want to do what we can to prevent ourselves and our family members from becoming ill. By making sure you wash your hands when you have been to the toilet or after you have blown your nose you will be helping to do just that.”
Five tips to prevent infection, including community acquired MRSA
- Regularly wash your hands and have frequent showers or baths.
- Keep your fingernails short and clean because bacteria can grow under larger nails.
- Do not share any products that come into contact with your skin, such as soaps, lotions, creams and cosmetics.
- Do not share unwashed towels.
- Do not share any personal items that come into contact with your skin, such as razors, nail files, combs or hairbrushes, without thoroughly cleaning them first.
For further information please call
Carl Jessop
NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, part of NHS North of England
0113 2952111
