Why is it important to have clean hands?
Hand washing is one of the most effective
ways to prevent the spread of many infections, particularly in a
healthcare environment when patients may be very ill and
susceptible to picking up infections.
Patients in hospital are more likely to
have an opening for an infection to get into the body, such as
through a surgical wound or tube like a catheter or intravenous
drip.
You should clean your hands
- before every meal
- after each visit to the toilet
- before entering or leaving a patient
area
- before and after any skin contact with a
patient
- before and after using any medical equipment
or facilities such as a commode.
Please ask our staff
Although we train our staff about the
importance of hand hygiene, they are sometimes very busy. If you
think a member of staff may have forgotten to clean their hands
before touching you or your relative, or something used in your
care, such as medicines or equipment, please remind them - staff
will not mind being reminded of the importance of hand washing.
Soap and water
If you have access to a hand basin, using soap
and water is a very effective way of killing germs and helping to
prevent the spread of infection.
Please tell the staff if there is no soap or
hand towels available in the toilets or bathrooms. Please tell the
staff if the hand basin, toilet or bathroom is dirty.
Alcohol hand gel
This is a good option if you do not have
access to a hand basin. It is effective in killing most germs on
your skin and is easy to use, even on sensitive skin.
Hand gel dispensers should be on every bedside
and at the entrance to each ward and department.
Please tell staff if the dispenser needs
topping up.
You can also download an easy read leaflet called 
Washing your hands: keeping away
germs in hospital.
Useful Contacts
Patient Advice and Liaison Service
(PALS)
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
London Road
Reading RG1 5AN
0118 322 8338