Washing survey a handy tool

Busselton Hospital’s medical staff continue to maintain a hand-hygiene standard above the national average.

A second audit monitoring how often hospital staff wash their hands was released on the Federal My Hospital website last month, and showed Busselton staff did it 72 per cent of the time.

This was a decrease from 76 per cent in the first audit last year, but above the national average of 70 per cent.

Hand hygiene in hospitals refers to the use of soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub, by healthcare workers to clean their hands.

Acting district manager Lucy Murphy told the Times the above-average audit reflected well on the hospital.

“It means we are working well towards expected standards, it is an essential component of hospital safe practice,” she said.

“It helps to minimise the transfer of illnesses and reduces the risk of infection.”

Ms Murphy said the facility was taking a “whole-ofhospital” approach with all staff at the hospital, including cleaning, kitchen, administrative and support services, working towards the hygiene standards.