Hand Washing
Cleaning our hands is one of the most important things that we can all do to prevent infection.
Hands should be cleaned:
- Before and after touching a patient
- After using the toilet
- Before eating or preparing food
Soap and Water
Washing with soap and water should be done if your hands are visibly dirty or if you have just used the toilet.
Alcohol Hand Rub
Alcohol is as effective as soap and water in most cases but only if your hands are visibly clean. At Poole you will find it at the bedside and at the entrance to wards. This enables staff and visitors to clean their hands immediately before and after touching patients.
Evidence from the National Patient Safety Agency shows that this is more effective than having it in places like the main entrance.
If you find any hand cleaning supplies running low e.g. soap, rub, paper towels please let a member of staff know immediately so we can arrange for them to be refilled.