Bendigo Health urges residents to continue practicing good hand hygiene as the first-line defense against the spread of harmful germs following World Hand Hygiene Day (Sunday 5 May).
Good hand hygiene remains as important as ever, according to infection prevention and control consultant at Bendigo Health, Robyn Freeman.
Good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of germs and reduces the risk of respiratory infections such as influenza and coronavirus.
Senior Medical Advisor for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Professor Peter Collignon, says the vigilance of some Australians around hand hygiene may have waned since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic shone a spotlight on the role of personal hygiene, including hand washing, but it’s vital we keep reminding people to do it regularly because it is such an easy way to fight germs,” Professor Collignon says.
“Some people may have become complacent with how often and how well they wash their hands, by not using enough soap and water, doing it too quickly or not hand washing at all.”
Effective hand hygiene also helps reduce the transmission of microorganisms, such as MRSA, that cause infections in hospitals. These healthcare-associated infections affect more than 81,000 Australians each year.
Across Australia, hospital staff continue to exceed the national benchmark of 80% compliance with hand hygiene requirements, with the latest data showing almost 90% compliance.
“Hand hygiene should be an everyday routine habit – whether you are at home, in hospital, attending healthcare appointments or out and about in the community,” Professor Collignon says.
“We all have the power to protect ourselves, our loved ones, people we care for, those around us and those who are vulnerable. Hand hygiene keeps the germs at bay – why wouldn’t you make the effort?”
