Posted: September 25th, 2009 - 4:24pm
Source: Western Mail

The Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Trust is to pioneer monthly examinations of how thoroughly staff wash their hands.
The 20-minute long “observational audits” will be rolled out across every ward and department and will take place every month.
A trust spokeswoman said: “It should be more widely known that there is a correct way of washing hands.
“Many people think washing hands involves merely rubbing the palms together but there should also be washing in the webs of the fingers.
“It has been found this is an area where infections can congregate and correct hand washing can go a long way towards reducing infection on our wards.”
The trust plans eventually to circulate videos of correct hand washing techniques throughout hospitals so that visitors as well as medical, cleaning and other staff are aware of the best way to clean their hands.
The initiative is part of the 1,000 Lives campaign at the trust aimed at preventing avoidable death and harm to patients.