One small step for man, one giant leap for healthcare
October 1st 2006

With alarming research by the Healthcare Commission1 finding that nearly four out of ten NHS staff do not have access to basic hygiene measures such as hot water, paper towels and alcohol rubs, Emma Nourry, trade marketing manager at Lotus Professional, discusses how small changes can make a big difference in increasing hygiene in hospitals

MRSA kills more than 5,000 people in the UK every year and is a growing public concern. In a drive to reduce levels of MRSA and hospital acquired infections the Government has widely promoted the importance of stringent hand hygiene procedures, but one in four NHS workers report that their Trust does not do enough to promote hygiene to patients and staff.

"These figures paint a worrying picture but hospitals can prevent the spread of bacteria wherever possible by taking small steps to increase hygiene on the ward and in the washroom environment," says Nourry.

"It is widely accepted that hand washing is key to minimising the spread of infection but hand drying is also essential in improving hygiene levels, a factor which is often overlooked.Wet hands collect and transmit bacteria more easily than dry hands and drying also helps trap microbes through friction. Studies over the past 30 years have shown that washing, rinsing and drying using a hand towel gives optimum bacteria removal of around 98-99% of transient bacteria, compared with washing and rinsing alone where only 88% of transient bacteria is removed2.

"Unfortunately washrooms can be a breeding ground for a range of bacteria and can present many opportunities for crosscontamination.

Research3 of hand-washing surfaces, including taps and sinks, shows that hand-towel dispenser levers carry the highest concentration of bacteria of all contact surfaces.A close second is the air stream flow of the warm air dryer. Hand dryers use recycled air which disperse bacteria from hands into the air and deposit microbes onto wet hands from the air streams. As an alternative, dispensers for disposable hand towels are ideal but some dispensers can increase the risk of contamination as the towel exit may be touched during paper towel removal.

"It is therefore important to consider a number of factors when selecting a hand towel system.When accessing the paper towel users should not touch the dispenser to reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.Maximum micro-organism removal takes place within the first 5-10 seconds so the paper towel must dry quickly.The hand towel should be effective in absorbing all moisture and should also remove microbes.

"It is clear that a seemingly simple task such as hand washing and drying can have distinct hygiene implications but with the correct equipment readily available to staff, such as a touchless hand towel system, and clear education amongst NHS workers, cross- contamination during this process can easily and cost effectively be kept to a minimum."

To test the effectiveness of existing hand hygiene procedures Georgia-Pacific can arrange for a simple on site "Glitter Bug" test – a method used to test the effectiveness of hand washing procedures.The Glitter Bug Lotion is applied to hands and then washed off.After washing hands are placed under a UV light and any remaining lotion will show up.The test therefore highlights flaws in hand washing technique

These tests are especially important in settings, such as healthcare environments and food preparation areas, where high standards of hand hygiene are imperative.The test allows staff to remain vigilant about their hand washing techniques and provides a reminder to how thorough hand washing is essential.

To arrange a "Glitter Bug" test or for more information about any Lotus Professional products, please call the number below, or visit www.cleaning-matters.co.uk and use the free reader enquiry system.

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