Back to basics
October 1st 2007 Frank Ledosquet,marketing manager West Europe for Metsä Tissue, discusses the
importance of thorough hand washing practices for the healthcare setting
The government has announced plans for a new dress code for
hospital staff under new regulations aimed at reducing the
spread of hospital-borne infections.The 'bare below the
elbows' policy, due to come into effect next year, will mean an end to
the traditional doctor's long sleeved white coat, fake nails, jewellery,
watches and ties.
According to the Department
of Health these items of clothing
and accessories 'perform no
beneficial function in patient
care and have been shown to be
colonised by pathogens'.
Hospital acquired infection rates
in the UK have been a cause for
concern for some time now and
these new measures are part of
a plan aimed at tackling this
growing problem.However, the
simple fact remains that hand
washing is the single most
important thing we can do to prevent the spread of germs and
reduce the number of deadly infections in our hospitals.
Implementing good hand hygiene practice in all hospitals and
educating health professionals about the importance of this is vital.
Washing hands is still the most effective way of tackling the growing
problem of superbugs such as MRSA and clostridium-difficile, which
have so far proved resistant to most antibiotic treatments.A new
dress code will help in the fight against hospital acquired infections,
but the best way to eradicate these potentially fatal germs is still to
ensure hands are washed and dried properly.
Most people are unaware that making sure hands are dried
effectively is equally as important as washing hands properly with
soap and water. If hands are not dried properly they become the
ideal breeding ground for germs to multiply since bacteria thrive in
damp conditions. If hands are washed with soap and water but not
dried, around 13 per cent of bacteria will remain – ready to be passed
on through contact.However, by washing with soap and water and
then drying with a paper towel will reduce bacterial contamination
by 98 per cent . Paper towels not only soak up the excess moisture
but the wiping action physically helps remove the bacteria.
When it comes to the healthcare setting, the quality of paper towel
becomes increasingly important.Typically health workers will wash
their hands between 40 and 60 times in a single shift and using a
poor quality towel to dry hands could lead to chaffing and further
skin problems. Poor quality towels absorb less moisture and will
therefore leave hands damp and more prone to bacteria growth.
Dampness caused by ineffective drying can lead to irritation which in
turn can damage the skin causing it to become dry and sore.This is
not only causes discomfort but will encourage bacteria growth. Katrin
has a range paper products designed specifically to suit different
hand drying needs.
It is scientifically proven that good hand hygiene practice is a
major factor in reducing the spread of disease.A more hygienic
dress code will help but hospitals must have strict hand washing
procedures in place.This, combined with touch-free dispensing
solutions such as those in the Katrin range, will go a long way in
helping to control this problem. For further info, call the number
below or enquire online at:
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