World Hand Hygiene Day
World Hand Hygiene Day (5 May 2020) takes on special significance this year as the world tackles with the COVID-19 pandemic. The day is declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) and encourages patients and their family members to join health workers in their efforts to practice good hand hygiene.
Good hand hygiene and washing your hands (for at least 20 seconds) frequently is one of the most important measures we can take to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, said Helen Scott, Clinical Nurse Consultant Infection Prevention & Control.
'Hand hygiene is the single most important factor in reducing hospital acquired infections,' said Ms Scott.
'Our hands may look clean but many germs are invisible to our eyes. We can unknowingly transmit germs on our hands to others and our environment. It is important to perform hand hygiene as you enter and leave a healthcare facility.'
Broken Hill Health Service is promoting the washing of hands for all staff and visitors on entering the facility to help reduce the spread of germs including COVID-19.
The Far West LHD will be 'clapping hands' at noon on Tuesday (5 May 2020) in support for the invaluable work that our staff do to ensure clean care for patients, including in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.