Hand Washing and the NHS

I am so happy that the NHS have produced a hand washing guide and put it on You Tube. As the parent of an immune compromised child who is easily ill and suffers for longer with potentially serious consequences I think it's wonderful that they are taking this issue seriously.

But I think there is something else they need to look at, something that all parents - and all nurses - are aware of and that is the state of hygiene in hospitals. Almost every time Bethany is dealt with by any member of staff I will look to make sure that they have cleaned their hands. More than once it hasn't happened. More than once when we've brought up the issue it's the doctor who feels it's not necessary while the nurse appreciates the importance and follows the guidelines. Sadly this means that cross infection will continue. I'm not pointing fingers, we've stayed in several hospitals for several different reasons and it seems to be the same everywhere. I will add that the majority do wash hands, I don't want it to appear that I am saying the doctors we deal with don't wash their hands, it is a minority.

We had one experience, unusually with a nurse this time, who dealt with an infectious child then came to see Bethany. I refused to let her touch Bethany as she hadn't followed the correct protocol for an infectious child (gowning and masking up when entering the infectious room, taking them off when leaving the room and hand washing) and the ward sister had to become involved because nurse insisted it was ok to touch Bethany. We've also had to make a complaint because during one particular stay Bethany was put in a bed which had another child's blood on the mattress and the area we stayed in was only given a basic brush around the whole time we were there. Two weeks after we were admitted there was still a cob of someone else's hair, presumably the previous occupant, next to the sofa bed. Slightly of topic with regards to hand washing but it all contributes to hygiene.

Sadly, a hand washing video on You Tube will not make enough of a difference to those who are in most need if the place where they are most at risk is the place that is supposed to be saving them.

If you would like to watch the video (which is very informative so feel free to pass the link on) then please go to The_NHS_Website or The_You_Tube_Link.