Pender Memorial News - You have a hand in preventing the spread of infections!

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You have a hand in preventing the spread of infections!
12/23/2008
National Hand Washing Awareness Week

Last week, visitors, patients and employees at Pender Memorial Hospital were reminded that the two things that play the largest role in keeping you healthy or making you sick are your hands!

To celebrate National Hand Washing Awareness Week from Dec. 8-12, the Infection Control team planned plenty of fun events and reminders about the importance of proper hand washing.

On Monday, the infection control sheriff and her deputies scoured the hospital to take a bite out of GRIME. Tuesday launched a full on battle against germ warfare. Employees' hands were tested under a black light on Wednesday to highlight areas that they may have missed in washing. Those who passed the test were congratulated with a handshake by special guest, Burgaw Mayor Kenneth T. Cowan. Throughout the day on Thursday, Santa's elves reported to the big guy all employees on the nice list who could demonstrate proper washing techniques. The week ended on Friday with a fun skit and celebration. Based on audience applause at the party, the Medical Records Department was named the winner of the hand washing poster contest.

During the season of colds and flu, it's important to remember that hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection and illnesses. While in the hospital, please wash your hands when you enter a patient's room and when you leave. This is for everyone's safety: the patient, staff and you!

To properly wash your hands, follow these simple steps:

First wet your hands with warm water and apply liquid or lather with a clean bar of soap.
Next rub your hands together vigorously and scrub all surfaces. Also clean under your fingernails to help control germs that may hide there.
Continue for at least 20 seconds or about the length of a children's tune (for example: the ABC song). It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
Rinse your hands well and then dry them. Remember to use the towel to turn off the faucet.

When soap is not readily available, alcohol-based hand rubs offer a quick and easy alternative. No water is needed and studies show they're fairly effective. But washing with soap is still the recommended method.

Pender Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, is a not-for-profit, community hospital serving all of Pender County and the surrounding areas since 1951. For more information, visit www.pendermemorial.org.

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