Winnipeg health authorities launched a new campaign Monday to cut down on infections at local hospitals by encouraging staff to wash their hands more often.
The Winnipeg Health Region says its “aggressive four–point campaign” is meant to remind all health-care providers to reduce the risk of infections and outbreaks among patients and residents by regularly cleaning their hands either with an alcohol-based rub or soap and water.
“Twenty years ago, hospital-acquired infections were the 11th leading cause of death in Canada,” WRHA President & CEO Arlene Wilgosh is quoted in a news release. “Now they are number four, surpassed only by cancer, heart disease and stroke. This is a serious ongoing issue that poses a real and very significant risk to those we care for. Something new has to be done to address it.”
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Stickers reminding staff, volunteers, visitors and patients of the importance of proper hand hygiene will start to be distributed this month. As well, the results of the Region’s hand hygiene audits are now posted on-line at http://www.wrha.mb.ca
Background:
Proper Hand Hygiene
Four-point plan designed to improve compliance rates across the Region
WHY?
Healthcare associated infections (HAI) are the most common serious
complication of hospitalization: one out of every nine patients admitted to a
Canadian hospital develop an HAI.
In Canada, it’s estimated 220,000 incidents of HAI occur every year,
resulting in between 8,000 and 12,000 deaths.1
Twenty years ago, HAI were the 11th leading cause of death. Now they are
the 4th surpassed only by cancer, heart disease and stroke.2
Increasing the hand hygiene rate by 20% results in a 40% reduction in
HAIs.2
At least 50% of HAIs can be prevented.3
Most healthcare providers believe they’re already practicing good hand
hygiene.
Research has shown hand hygiene is generally <40%.
To protect the patient against harmful germs carried on staff members’
hands.
To protect yourself and your colleagues from harmful germs.
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