What is hand hygiene?
Hand hygiene refers to the cleaning of our hands using an alcohol hand gel or soap and water. This process can remove micro-organisms (germs) which cause infections from our hands.
The importance of hand hygiene - why should we wash our hands?
Throughout the course of the day our hands touch many different surfaces. Many micro-organisms (germs) are often picked up on your hands during everyday activities. Without effective handwashing these 'germs' can spread to any surfaces a person may touch and can even spread between patients’ hands.
It is important for us to clean our hands when in hospital to prevent the spread of these germs, which can cause infections. Hand hygiene is the most effective way for patients, visitors, and staff to prevent the spread of infection.
What to do
Whilst you are a patient in hospital, we want to encourage you to clean your hands to prevent you from acquiring an infection. Many infections occur because hands are not clean.
As a patient there are some specific times when you should clean your hands. These are the 5 moments for patient hand hygiene.
Please ask a member of staff if you require any help with cleaning your hands during your stay in hospital.
To prevent germs spreading, there are two ways to clean your hands whilst in hospital. These are:
- Soap and water
- Alcohol hand gel
Soap and water
Evidence suggests that alcohol hand gel is not effective against all micro-organisms (germs) such as Clostridioides difficile and other infectious diarrhoea. It is therefore recommended that you use soap and water after using the toilet especially if you are experiencing diarrhoea.
You will find hand wash facilities on entrance/exit to the ward/ departments and in clinical environments.
If you are unable to reach a sink to clean your hands you can use alcohol hand gel or patient hand and face wipes.
Using the alcohol hand gel
Alcohol hand gel kills around 99% of germs in around 30 seconds and dries naturally on the skin. It is very convenient to use and a quick and effective alternative to soap and water when hands are visibly clean.
Where can I find alcohol hand gel?
Alcohol hand gel is often located on entrance to the wards and departments, in treatment areas and often at the end of patient beds.
When to avoid using alcohol hand gel
Alcohol hand gel should not be used when your hands are visibly unclean or if you have diarrhoea. It is recommended you use soap and water to clean your hands.
When should I wash my hands?
Please see picture below of the 5 moments of hand hygiene.
We should clean our hands:
- When they are visibly soiled
- After coughing or sneezing
- Before or after eating/drinking or taking medications
- When entering or leaving your bedspace
- After using the toilet/commode/bedpan
Remember - If you do not have access to a sink to clean your hands you can use alcohol hand gel or a hand wipe.
5 Moments of patient Hand Hygiene - when to wash your hands
Please note:
Do not hesitate to ask the nurse caring for you to help you wash your hands before meals and after using the toilet.
This is an important part of your care while you are in hospital and nursing staff will be pleased to assist you.
Being confined to your bed should not be a reason for you not to wash your hands. Hand wipes will be provided for you.
To help reduce hospital acquired infection, please ask all healthcare workers when caring for you if they have washed their hands or used the alcohol hand gel, prior to carrying out any direct care. This ensures that you are protected from the spread of infection.
For further information please contact the Infection Control Team
Fairfield General Hospital
Telephone: 0161 778 2428
Internally: 82428
The Royal Oldham Hospital
Telephone: 0161 656 1922/0161 627 8771
Internally: 71922/78771
Rochdale Infirmary
Telephone: 01706 906150
Internally: 56150
Salford Royal
Telephone: 0161 206 5017/0161 206 5032/0161 206 2042
References
Loveday H.P, J.A. Wilson, R.J. Pratt, Golsorkhi,A, Tingle. A, Bak.J, Prieto J, & Wilcox. M.
epic 3: National Evidence-Based Guidelines for Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in NHS Hospitals in England.
Journal of Hospital Infection 8651(2014)51-570
WHO-world health organisation. Hand hygiene: why, how & when? Revised August 2009. Accessed 09/03/2022. 1-7.
WHO-World health organisation. WHO guideline on hand hygiene in health care: a summary. WHO press, world health organisation, Switzerland (2009) accessed 09/03/2022. 1-3.
Permission to use PDI 5 moments of Hand hygiene granted by Laila Goodridge-NHS contract & market development manager, North. PDI (EMEA) Ltd. Laila.goodridge@pdi-EMEA.com.
Date of Review: September 2024
Date of Next review: September 2026
Ref No: PI_DS_062 (NCA)