At Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust we are committed to reducing the risk of infection.
Hand hygiene plays a vital role in keeping our patients safe.
Why is hand hygiene important?
Patients and visitors have a key role to play in preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of helping to prevent the spread of infections.
Infection can easily be spread by our hands. Hands can become contaminated with germs from contact with other people, equipment and our surroundings. This contact can cause infection to spread between patients, visitors and staff members.
Facilities for washing hands are available on each ward or department. All in-patient wards have a hand wash sink at the entrance. Patients and visitors should wash their hands every time they enter or leave the ward.
When should I wash my hands?
- When entering wards/clinical areas
- Before and after helping relatives eat or drink
- Before and after helping relatives with any personal care
- When leaving wards/clinical areas
- On arriving home after your visit
- Before eating
- After using the bathroom
How do I wash my hands properly?
Hand washing with soap and warm running water is the best way to get your hands clean if they are visibly dirty.
Liquid soap is provided in wall mounted dispensers at all hand wash sinks around the hospital.
After washing with soap and water always dry your hands thoroughly with the paper towels provided.
Paper towels should be disposed in the bins provided using the pedal.
The good hand wash technique guide can be found on the last page of this leaflet which shows you the best way to do this.
When should I use a hand sanitiser?
Hand sanitiser is a quick and convenient alternative to hand washing with soap and water.
Hand sanitiser is meant to be used for hands which are not visibly dirty and when soap and water for hand washing is not readily available.
Hand sanitiser is provided in dispensers around the hospital and in most wards at the bedside.
What about the healthcare workers looking after me or my loved one?
As a patient or visitor in hospital, you should expect to see all healthcare workers clean their hands before and after they provide care. If you are not sure if they have, please ask!
Healthcare workers are trained in the importance of hand hygiene and will not mind being asked. Sometimes they may have washed their hands out of your sight, so asking them will reassure you they have cleaned their hands.
Remember it’s OK to ask!
