Handwashing
According to the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, up to 10% of hospitalized patients suffer from an infection acquired while they are in the hospital. Many of these infections are transmitted via the hands of healthcare workers. Studies suggest that healthcare associated infections are the primary cause of about 1% of in-hospital deaths. Individuals cary millions of microbes on their hands. Most are harmless, but you can pick up some that cause illnesses, such as colds, flu, and diarrhea. Hospitalized persons are more prone to infection. We live in a germ-laden society. While it is not possible to eliminate all germs, the most basic method for reducing the spread of infection is to clean your hands. Decontaminating hands with either soap and water or by cleaning with a hand sanitizer product prior to and after direct contact with the patient or objects immediately around the patient can greatly reduce the potential for spreading infection.

HaysMedicalCenter is undertaking various practices to decrease the potential for transmitting bacteria from healthcare workers to patients. Various studies indicate that healthcare workers should routinely clean their hands as they work with patients. At HaysMedicalCenter, hand sanitizer equipment is in every patient room so a hand cleaning product is readily available for use as healthcare workers provide care to our patients. Hand sanitizer equipment is also conveniently located in all staff and visitor restroom facilities.

For further information, contact Melanie Urban, Director Patient Safety Services at melanie.urban@haysmed.com