Aim: To ensure that no pathogenic organisms are transferred via the hands. This is achieved by decontamination of the hands immediately before and after all direct patient contact, between differing care activities on the same guest and any activity that results in the potential contamination of the hands.
Hand washing is viewed as the single most important measure in preventing the spread of infection. Good hand hygiene saves lives.
Standards
Wrist and hand jewelry should be removed at the beginning of each shift (a wedding ring is permissible). Nails should be short, clean and free from nail polish. False nails should not be worn. Cuts and abrasions must be covered with a waterproof dressing/plaster (within catering this must be a blue plaster).
Hand washing agents
Soap in a liquid form is available from wall mounted dispensers at each hand wash basin. Bar soap should not be used for staff hand washing.
Paper towels can be found in a dispenser at each hand basin. Cloth towels harbor bacteria and therefore should not be used.
Alcohol hand rub is available in Reception. This is available for use at any time but should not be used as a substitute for hand washing if it can be done.
There is a stock of alcohol hand rub in Bearsden.
Methods
See the hand washing procedure.
Gloves should be worn when performing any personal care on a guest. Gloves are not a substitute for good hand hygiene and must not be considered an absolute barrier in protecting the guest or yourself. Hands should be washed pre and post wearing of gloves.
Hands should be decontaminated –
- On arrival at work.
- Prior to putting on gloves.
- Before handling food (either for yourself or someone else)
- Between each guest requiring assistance with eating.
- After direct contact with the environment of a patient known to have an infection.
- Immediately prior and after an episode of direct patient contact.
- Before aseptic procedures.
- Between patients.
- After making a guest bed.
- After handling blood or other body fluids.
- After removing gloves
- After using the toilet
- When hands are visibly dirty.
- Before leaving your place of work.
This list is not exhaustive or complete; hand decontamination should be a frequent activity in your daily routine.
If any staff members experience skin problems, then the nurse in charge of the shift should be notified and an incident form completed and sent to the Head of Operations