December 15, 2016
Staff at Murgon Hospital have been recognised for having the “cleanest” hands in the South Burnett.
Murgon Director of Nursing Julie Kelly said the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service conducted quarterly audits of what is called “the five moments of hand hygiene”.
“The five moments are before touching a patient, before a procedure, after a procedure or body fluid exposure risk, after touching a patient, and after touching a patient’s surroundings,” Ms Kelly said.
She said hand hygiene was the single most important measure in preventing or reducing healthcare-associated infections.
“In the audit period for July to October this year, Murgon Hospital was recognised as having the highest level of compliance within the South Burnett,” Ms Kelly said.
“This is the first time that this award has been given so we are very pleased to be the inaugural recipients.
“Staff at the Murgon Hospital are well-trained in the correct procedures for hand cleansing throughout the day.
“Our Infection Prevention and Control staff do a great job in raising awareness and educating the staff in the best methods for minimising the spread of infection.
“We also have alcohol-based hand product dispensers located throughout the hospital, so we encourage visitors to do their part and use the dispensers when they are entering and exiting the wards.
“If you are a patient, don’t be afraid to ask your nurse or doctor if they have washed their hands before examining you or undertaking a procedure.”
