NHS England in the North West is marking World Hand Hygiene Day, 15 October by reminding everyone of the importance of handwashing to help prevent the spread of viruses and infections.

During the winter months, the NHS usually sees a big increase in viruses like norovirus circulating which is why it’s really important to maintain good hand hygiene.

Hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of infections in communities, particularly in healthcare and care home settings. Regular hand washing or sanitising can significantly reduce the risk and spread of viruses and infections such as flu, Covid-19 and protects patients, visitors and healthcare workers from harmful bacteria and MRSA.

Rosie Dixon, Regional Head of Nursing for Infection Prevention Control in NHS England in the North West said, “We recognise the importance of promoting the highest standards of infection prevention and control. On World Hand Hygiene Day, we are reminding everyone about the importance of hand hygiene in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for you, your family and if your visiting patients and vulnerable people in a healthcare setting or care home.”

She added, “By promoting good handwashing practices and raising awareness about the risks of poor hand hygiene, we can help prevent the spread of infections and protect the health of our community.”

The NHS across the North West is proud to be part of this initiative and is committed to promoting hand hygiene as a key part of community, staff and patient safety efforts and invite everyone to join in promoting hand hygiene in their communities and workplaces.

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Handwashing information:

 Staff, patients, and visitors can work together to reduce the risk of infections by washing hands regularly and or using hand sanitisers provided in all facilities across the community, health care and care homes. Other measures the public can take include:

• Don’t visit the if you are ill, particularly if you have diarrhoea and vomiting or flu.
• As a visitor, please don’t sit on beds as this can spread infection.
• Take advice from health care and care home staff if wards, bays, or homes are closed due to an outbreak.

When should I wash my hands?

• before and after preparing food
• before mealtimes
• after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• after visiting the toilet or changing nappies
• after touching animals or animal waste
• whenever hands are visibly dirty

Watch a demonstration of how to correctly and hygienically wash your hands – NHS UK handwashing