Clean Hands Save Lives

Tuesday 5^th May is World Hand Hygiene Day, marking the World Health Organisation's global call to action on hand hygiene. The Children's Hospital at Westmead has slashed healthcare associated infection rates with a deliberate campaign to increase hand cleaning among staff. Hand hygiene contributes significantly to keeping patients safe from infections.

To promote the day, the Hospital will have activities in the Galleria. A "Bugsy" (ultraviolet light) will be set up which will reveal how well hands are washed. The winner will be announced for the clinical area with the highest hand hygiene compliance rate for 2008 and there will be displays and prizes.

In 2008, The Children's Hospital at Westmead won the NSW Health Award for Patient Safety with its project to reduce hospital acquired infections by implementing an improved hand washing regime among staff. The Hospital prioritised hand hygiene as part of the two-year campaign which began with the Clinical Excellence Commission's Clean Hands Save Lives initiative. Following the completion of the 18-month CEC project, the hospital continued with regular reporting on compliance at management and executive meetings, compliance observation and role-modelling by senior executives.

In the first quarter of 2009 hand hygiene compliance peaked at 86 per cent - the highest figures in the NSW Health system. The Hospital target is 85% compliance.

Hand washing is also important in the community to help stop the spread of infections.

The Children's Hospital at Westmead is the highly respected, largest paediatric centre in NSW, providing excellent care for children from NSW, Australia and across the Pacific Rim.  Established in 1880, The Children's Hospital at Westmead is a stand-alone public Hospital and registered charity with 3,000 staff working in 150 departments. Over 50,000 sick children and their families are cared for each year in a family-focused, healing environment.

Funded by the NSW Government, The Children's Hospital at Westmead provides significant extra services aided by the generosity of individual and corporate donors.  For more information visit http://www.chw.edu.au/

Media Opportunities 10-11am The Galleria The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Contact Leonie Leonard Public Relations Manager  02 9845 3583