#IPSTorchTour16 The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) are currently holding a hand hygiene campaign to ‘spread the message, not the bugs’ in the form of a torch tour around the UK and Ireland. The event begun on 5th May in each of the five countries (Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales) to coincide with the World Health Organisation ‘Clean Your Hands – Call to Action’ and will finish on 26th September 2016 at the first day of Infection Prevention 2016 Conference in Harrogate. Well be exhibiting at the conference too, so please do call by to our stand and say hello - you might even get a chance to touch the torch here! Were at stand 105 and always look forward to getting feedback and ideas from the people that use and inform our software.
Hand Hygiene Facts It is estimated that 8 out of 10 infectious diseases are spread by touch1 95 out of 100 of people claim to have washed their hands after using the toilet, the reality is only 65 of the 100 actually do wash their hands1 It is estimated that washing hands with soap and water could reduce diarrhoea infections by almost half2 Hand washing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%3 The use of an alcohol gel hand sanitiser in the classroom reduced in absenteeism due to infection by almost 20% in schools3 Wed like to take the opportunity to welcome the IPS contingency to Ireland later this month when they hold their Irish Branch meeting at the Mespil Hotel on Tuesday 21st June from 10.30 to 2pm. Other opportunities to touch the torch in Ireland will be on Monday 20th June at the National Maternity Hospital in the morning and at an evening event in Trinity College. Its a valuable campaign to raise awareness about hand hygiene and we looking forward to being part of the events.
References: Hardy Diagnostics http://www.hardydiagnostics.com/articles/hand-washing.pdf Curtis and Cairncross (2003) Effect of washing hands with soap on diarrhoea risk in the community: a systematic review. Lancet Infectious Diseases 3 (5); 275-81 CDC http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/fast_facts.html
Left to right: Kerrill Thornhill Medical EGuides, MEG, Michael Corr SureWash, Carole Hallam Infection Prevention Society, Gary Thirkill, Infection Prevention Society