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MOSSEL BAY NEWS & VIDEO - World Hand Hygiene Day was marked at the Life Bay View Private Hospital in Mossel Bay with a fun event with a serious message on Friday, 4 May.
All personnel participated in innovative ways to embrace the focus on infection prevention, especially the new protocol for washing hands.
Student nurses performed a dance with a difference, showcasing the importance of hand hygiene to the rhythm of recording artist, Psy's Gangnam Style.
All the wards participated enthusiastically with displays and patients and visitors alike were advised of the importance of washing hands.
The initiatives included a hand hygiene relay, which served as a reminder to all healthcare workers of the importance of effective hand hygiene to ensure patient safety is not compromised.
"As part of our continued efforts to prevent risk of infection, Life Bay View Private Hospital will be increasing awareness of hand hygiene among its employees," hospital spokesperson Elzaan Moelich said.
Initiated in 2005 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Hand Hygiene Day is celebrated every year on 5 May as part of a major global intervention to improve hand hygiene.
Life Healthcare strives to deliver healthcare of exceptional quality and one of the ways of doing this is by creating awareness through this year's Life Healthcare World Hand Hygiene theme of "All Hands on Deck". Photos: Nickey le Roux
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 of infection risks," hospital manager Lida Swart said. She added: "To commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day, let us continue to join hands and save lives daily by effective exceptional hand hygiene habits to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms."
Watch a video below:
The hands are one of the most significant contributors to cross-contamination and cross-infection - in the home and hospital environment.
Studies show that 60% of South Africans do not wash their hands properly after using the toilet and 66% do not wash their hands with soap.
Student nurses performed a dance with a difference, showcasing the importance of hand hygiene to the rhythm of recording artist Psy's "Gangnam Style".
Furthermore, 75% 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 after using the toilet, after cleaning a child and before handling food.
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