Why Healthcare Workers Need to Wash Their Hands

Healthcare workers are responsible for providing quality medical care to patients. This means that they must take extra precautions when it comes to keeping their hands clean and free from contamination. Despite all the intricate procedures and services they provide, one of the most important things to remember for healthcare workers is also one of the easiest to forget.

Healthcare workers need to wash their hands regularly because of the risk of cross-contamination present in a hospital setting. Through contact with multiple surfaces and patients, healthcare workers can quickly become carriers of infectious bacteria and viruses. By washing their hands properly, they can prevent the spread of potentially deadly illnesses to themselves, other staff members, and patients.

Additionally, hand-washing is a critical component of infection control. It helps to reduce the risk of certain conditions such as nosocomial infections, which are infections that develop as a result of medical treatment received in healthcare facilities. It can also prevent the spread of more common ailments such as colds and the flu.

Hand-washing is especially important during pandemics like COVID-19, when infectious agents are highly contagious and dangerous. Healthcare workers need to take extra precautions to ensure that they are protecting themselves and their patients by washing their hands regularly.

Not only is hand-washing an important part of preventing the spread of disease, but it also serves as a way for healthcare workers to show respect and compassion for the people in their care. By taking regular steps to practice proper hygiene, healthcare workers demonstrate that they are taking their patients’ health and safety seriously.

Additionally, healthcare workers should ensure that they are washing their hands before they come into contact with a patient to reduce the risk of introducing any germs or bacteria from outside environments. Without proper hand hygiene, healthcare workers run the risk of spreading germs from patient to patient, which can have serious consequences.

Nurses, Carers, Support Workers

Naturally, all those above and other healthcare professionals should ensure they are washing their hands before and after any medical procedures or treatments. This is especially true for the use of gloves, as they can provide a false sense of protection. Washing hands before and after glove use are important to ensure no germs are transferred from one patient to another.

But how do you get into good habits? How do you wash properly? Healthcare workers should take a Training Course in hygiene, as this provides information on how to properly wash hands and use gloves. The training covers various methods of washing hands, including scrubbing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, or using an antiseptic solution. After washing their hands, healthcare workers should always dry their hands with a single-use paper towel to avoid the spread of germs.

Proper technique is essential to ensure no germs are transferred from one patient to another. Healthcare workers should also practice proper glove removal techniques, as this will help reduce the risk of infection. Gloves should be removed quickly and in one motion, using a gloved hand to hold down the glove at the wrist. The ungloved hand should then be used to peel off the glove. After removing gloves, healthcare workers should always wash their hands with soap and water, rinse, and dry them.

With the right training and knowledge, healthcare workers can ensure the safety of their patients by properly washing their hands. Washing hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, will help reduce the spread of germs and prevent infections. Let’s all wash our hands properly today!