Still waiting for a show of clean hands

We put our lives in doctors' hands when we fall ill, yet once again it seems we may be putting ourselves at risk by doing so.

The CSSA and BCC have drawn the industry's attention to a recent report that states some doctors are still not following the most vital health procedure of thorough handwashing (see news page overleaf ). If those at the top of the hospital chain are not carrying out basic sanitary measures, questions must be asked as to why the handwashing message is still not getting through.

There are fantastic solutions from the cleaning industry, from touchless taps and antibacterial soap to portable handwashing units and pocket sanitisers.Most companies have also produced leaflets and guides to remind people of the need for frequent handwashing.After all, it's not just hospitals where people can become ill (!) workplaces are also major breeding grounds for disease.

Following the extra hygiene precautions brought in with swine flu, one would have thought that awareness of the simple preventative measures needed to curtail contagion would be high, especially in the health industry.

I know that since I have been involved with the cleaning industry, the frequency of my own handwashing has probably quadrupled. I think the message is definitely being put out there, but the trouble is, some people just aren't listening.

Gerardine Coyne
editor - Cleaning Matters
Tel: 01342 333721
email: gcoyne@progressive-media.co.uk