CMO Message – 29 April
World Hand Hygiene Day – stop the spread of harmful germs
On World Hand Hygiene Day this Sunday 5 May, we recognise efforts across the globe to share knowledge about hand hygiene, and to reduce the spread of harmful germs.
Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention and control. It is a fundamental strategy for improving patient and healthcare worker safety.
Effective hand hygiene reduces the transmission of microorganisms that cause healthcare-associated infections, which affect more than 60,000 Australians each year.*
Hand hygiene audit data shows that hand hygiene compliance by healthcare workers in Australian hospitals is above the national benchmark of 80% compliance. The latest audit report found they achieved 87% compliance, which is a strong result – but we can continue to improve.
Hand hygiene helps save lives
As a practising Emergency Physician, I understand that performing hand hygiene before and after patient care helps protect my patients and my colleagues from harmful infections.
We cannot underestimate the impact of our actions. Clinicians have an important role in reinforcing the importance of good hand hygiene and its role in patient and healthcare worker safety – starting with the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene, which is a pillar of the National Hand Hygiene Initiative.
Watch this video series to hear from leading healthcare experts on the key elements of hand hygiene.
Hand hygiene is the responsibility of everyone in the healthcare setting. Thank you for practising good hand hygiene to protect your colleagues, patients, their carers and families. I encourage you to use our resources to spread the word and to lead by example.
The simple act of washing your hands at the right moment can protect people from infection, and potentially save lives.
Yours sincerely,
Conjoint Associate Professor Carolyn Hullick
Chief Medical Officer
* Based on public hospital data
