Making hand hygiene top priority

Posted on Friday 1 January 2010

The norovirus season is already kicking off the colder months, as it has emerged that more than 20 wards have already closed this year due to outbreaks.

Although norovirus occurs all year round, it is at its peak in the winter season and already this week the NHS have issued warnings to the general public to take care.

Commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, many vulnerable people are admitted to hospital, leading to an influx of infected patients who can easily spread the highly contagious virus, which can often trigger ward closures. Over 570 hospital wards were temporarily closed last year due to an outbreak of the notorious norovirus.

Manty Stanley, managing director at TEAL says: “Regardless of the hospitals high-level of cleanliness, the norovirus can survive days on any surface.

“Although there is no vaccine for the norovirus, there are precautions that people can take to protect themselves and others against this potentially life-threatening virus.

“It is important for everyone within a medical environment – staff, patients and visitors – to understand the importance of hand hygiene as we head into the colder months.

“Following the gold standard of hand hygiene – by washing hands with soap and warm running water – may prevent the norovirus from spreading further.”

TEAL’s most recent model, the TEAL Stop n’Wash has been designed in collaboration with infection control professionals to ensure it meets their needs head on.

Unlike any of its predecessors, it has been built to educate and encourage the correct hand washing procedures. Featuring a synchronised display, which takes users through the automatic program and seven rubbing actions as laid down by NHS guidelines, the TEAL Stop n’Wash provides a 35 second hot water hand wash cycle.

Hands free and fully automatic the device has no levers or taps to re-infect hands. Pathogen-safe, the TEAL Stop n’Wash has a simple hygiene cycle using 500ppm chlorine solution is carried out every 24 hours.

The TEAL Stop n’Wash is just one of a range of solutions available from TEAL. All models, purchased or hired, can be delivered across mainland UK within 24 hours.