McGimpsey: Clean hands vital in fight against infections

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has emphasised that clean hands are the most effective weapon in the fight against all infections.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to his Department’s exhibition stand at the Balmoral Show, the theme of which stresses the importance of hand hygiene as part of its ‘cleanyourhands’ campaign.

The Minister said: “Good hand hygiene is absolutely essential in reducing infections. The simple act of cleaning your hands must not be underestimated and by just taking a minute to stop and wash, you are helping to prevent and control the spread of germs.

“The most common way germs are spread is by people’s hands. Germs are often harmless but they can also cause illnesses such as colds, flu and gastric illnesses.

“It is also important that children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times and this will help ensure that this practice becomes a lifelong habit.”

He added: “This message is all the more important given the current swine flu alert.

“Our main advice to the public is not to be alarmed about the recent developments, but it is important to be prepared for a potential pandemic.

“It is important that everyone is aware of the symptoms and takes the necessary precautions. If you have recently travelled to Mexico, the USA or other affected areas, feel unwell and develop flu-like illness, stay at home so you limit contact with others and seek medical advice from a GP.

“Everyone can take simple but effective measures to protect themselves by covering their noses and mouths when they cough and sneeze and then put their tissue in a bin and wash their hands. The message is simple: Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.

“By making hand hygiene a personal priority, each of us can play our part in preventing infections from spreading to friends, family and those around us.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The ‘cleanyourhands’ campaign aims to build on much of the good work already undertaken by Trusts to highlight the importance of hand hygiene by giving a regional focus to the issue – with common messages throughout all hospitals in Northern Ireland.

2. The campaign is also strongly linked to the World Health Organisation’s Global Patient Safety Challenge: Clean Care is Safer Care, where the department and wider Health and Social Care system have signed up to making infection prevention and control a priority. The ‘cleanyourhands’ campaign materials can be viewed on the department's website at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

3. A further campaign for community healthcare facilities such as GP practices and nursing homes is currently being developed.

4. With reference to swine flu, it is important that you should be prepared and try to minimise the spread of this infection:

• Always carry tissues
• Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
• Bin the tissues as soon as possible
• Wash your hands regularly
• Minimise touching of the mouth, eyes and/or nose.

The national campaign slogan is: ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it!’

5. Press enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.