New hand hygiene initiative aims to reduce infections

A new hand hygiene initiative has been launched in a bid to reduce the antibiotic-resistant ‘superbug’ patient infections in hospitals.

The National Hand Hygiene Initiative coincides with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘Save lives: Clean your hands Day’ and is an important message from the WHO given the current developing situation around the world with swine flu.

Australia’s National Hand Hygiene Initiative is being implemented by Hand Hygiene Australia.

It follows on from Australian research that shows using alcohol-based hand rub is the single most effective treatment in controlling Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infections (SAB), including the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or ‘golden staph’ infections.

The program also aims to monitor hand hygiene practices and compliance among healthcare workers.

The Australian Government has provided $4 million over three years to support the program and other initiatives of Hand Hygiene Australia.

Whilst the initial focus of the program is on acute-care hospitals, Hand Hygiene Australia resources will be available for all public and private healthcare facilities.

The program will have clear national guidelines for hand hygiene. It also includes an online education program to inform all healthcare workers about infection control and hand hygiene.