Hand Washing: Clean Hands, Caring Hearts

The staff, physicians and volunteers at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) take pride in delivering safe, quality care to our patients. Washing our hands is one way that CKHA protects both ourstaff and our patients from the spread of infection. Hand washing also helps create a safe practice environment. A special code word was chosen to be used by CKHA employees as a way for staff to remind each other of the importance of washing their hands at every patient interaction. It is an easy and fun way to ensure there are no missed opportunities for hand hygiene. Using the code word and continuing with our hand hygiene audits monthly, are two ways the staff at CKHA are increasing the awareness of the importance of washing your hands.

We had a surprise visit recently from `Paws` the big red dog, he went around from department to department to help remind all staff of the importance of good hand hygiene. He also reminded staff, physicians and volunteers that using the code word is how we leteach other know that they missed an opportunity for hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is the responsibility of everyone at the hospital and together we can ensure the delivery of safe, quality and effective care is carried forward each and every day at CKHA.

During his surprise visit,the big red dog, stopped to greet Shealy Farmer, a nurse on our Medicine Unit. Shane Helgerman, Program Director of Medicine accompanied the big red dog as he travelled throughout CKHA reminding staff, physicians and volunteers of the importance of good hand hygiene.