Clean hands campaign backed

Jul 2 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A HAND washing scheme to improve hygiene in Liverpool’s doctors’ surgeries and healthcare centres has been launched.

Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) has signed up to the latest phase of the National Patient Safety Agency’s (NPSA) cleanyourhands campaign.

Its aim is to reduce infections such as MRSA and C Difficile, which can be picked up in the community as well as during hospital stays.

Derek Campbell, chief executive of Liverpool PCT said: “Infections cost the NHS an estimated £1bn a year and can cause serious harm or even death to patients. Liverpool PCT is absolutely committed to stamping out infections. As well as investing £2m in a deep clean programme of the city’s hospitals, over £500,000 was also invested in fighting infections in out of hospital settings.

“Joining this cleanyourhands campaign is another strand to this and shows our continued commitment. Infection control is the responsibility of all staff and following simple guidelines, like cleaning your hands, can greatly reduce the risk.”