The Nursing Quality Team at the Victoria Hospital held a sensitization exercise last Thursday in observance of World Hand Washing Day.

World Hand Washing Day is observed annually on Oct. 15, as a global advocacy day to increase the awareness and understanding of the importance of washing hands with soap and water as an effective, affordable method to prevent diseases and save lives.

The day also provides an opportunity for health providers and educators to design, test and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap and water at critical times.

Natalie Preville, RN, and Quality Team Leader at the hospital said proper hand hygiene can prevent the transmission of bacteria from one person to another.

"We have been conducting audits at the Victoria Hospital and we found that our levels of compliance with hand hygiene measures are not yet up to standard, so we thought it would be a good idea to start sensitizing staff and the public. If we get everyone on board, it would help alleviate or improve the situation."

The Quality Team Leader said the sensitization campaign is not meant for persons to become unsociable by no longer extending or accepting a handshake, "but it's important to protect ourselves and the people around us by keeping our hands clean," Nurse Preville said. 

She added that anyone preparing or handling food for public consumption should ensure the safety of those consuming that food by washing their hands regularly, while consumers should note the cleanliness of their environments when purchasing food.