The Chief Executive of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Elaine Way, has added her support to the 'cleanyourhands' campaign launched by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
The campaign is aimed at reminding all Health and Social Care staff and visitors of the importance of hand washing and good hand hygiene.
"Infection prevention and control is a priority for the Western Trust," said Mrs Way. "The health and safety of patients, clients, visitors and staff is of paramount importance.
The campaign reinforces the message among healthcare professionals and the public of the importance of good hand hygiene in tackling healthcare associated infections."
Campaign materials were placed in Western Trust hospitals in time for this week's NI launch of the ''cleanyourhands' campaign by Mr McGimspey.
Materials are featured include signs that highlight the location of the alcohol handrubs. Patients are also key to the success of the campaign. The phrase, 'It's OK to ask' is used throughout the promotional materials to encourage patients to remind staff about the importance of cleaning their hands.
The Western Trust staff feature prominently in the poster campaign. In fact, the Trust has identified campaign 'champions' among staff across the nursing, medical, support services as well as specialists such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Alan Corry-Finn, Director of Primary Care, Older People's Services and Nursing with the Trust, said everyone had a role to play in managing and preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
"Good hand hygiene among healthcare professionals is extremely important and the 'cleanyourhands' campaign reinforces this message', he stated.
"Visitors to hospitals can help by thoroughly washing their hands before and after visiting and by using the hand rubs available".
He said the Trust remained vigilant and doing all that it could to prevent and manage any spread of infection throughout all its health and social care settings. Its Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT), Mr Corry-Finn reported, continued to work very closely with frontline staff to ensure the consistent and rigorous application of evidence-based infection prevention and control techniques."
