Cleaning your hands is the simplest, cheapest and most effective way to prevent bacteria (germs) being passed from person to person. Not only are a third of infections preventable by undertaking this task but our hospital wards and clinical areas also have alcohol hand gel dispensers available for staff, carers and visitors.

We ask all visitors to use the acohol hand gel when they enter and leave our hospital wards.

 

Who should clean their hands?

All hospital staff, patients and visitors should clean their hands on a regular basis. Hospital staff can help protect you by washing their hands with soap and water or by cleaning them with the alcohol hand gel which should be used on physically clean hands before examining you or providing care.

If a member of staff needs to examine you, do not be afraid to ask if they have cleaned their hands -  in fact we welcome the opportunity to be questioned as we will often share the correct techniques of how to wash your hands.

 

When should you wash your hands?

• After visiting the toilet or using a commode
  
  
• Before eating or handling food
  
  
• If your hands are physically dirty
  
  
• Before visiting a patient and again before leaving the ward
  
  
• All staff must clean their hands if they have direct contact with you
  
  

It's also important to remember the following:

• Remove all jewellery before cleaning your hands
  
  
• Keep nails short, as this will make it easier to clean your hands properly
  
  
• If you have a wound dressing, stitches, drips or catheters try not to touch them unnecessarily
  
  

Use of alcohol rub/wipes and Islam

In the medical field use of alcohol gel and wipes are part of a policy to protect patients/visitors from infection and the external use of these has been approved for use by the Gloucestershire Islamic Academy. 

Mufti Abdullah Patel explained: "It will not make the clothes/body impure if they come into contact with them and one may offer Salaah after using the alcohol rub."