Let’s Develop a Hand Hygiene Compliant Culture, Together!
by Katherine Weaver, Infection Control Officer
As healthcare workers, our colleagues, trainees,
volunteers and patients watch what we do. Be a role
model by showing that hand hygiene is an important
part of quality care and that you are serious about our
patient’s health.
Make hand hygiene your habit and
clean your hands at a minimum:
• each time you enter and leave a patient environment
• before and after every patient contact
• before eating and after using the restroom
Healthcare workers’ unclean hands are the #1
source of germ transmission and healthcare-associated
infections (HAI). 2 million people in the U.S. contract an
HAI each year. That’s 1 in 20 patients. HAIs account for
over 99,000 deaths annually. Preventable healthcare
associated infections cause more deaths than AIDS,
breast cancer and auto accidents combined.
February ended with 81% hand hygiene compliance. All associates are
responsible for hand hygiene, so let’s work together toward a
hand hygiene culture of compliance greater than 95%.
The hand hygiene module is DUE April 7.
Click Here to log in.
Here at Providence, we want to develop a hand hygiene culture of compliance greater than 95%. We
already have the elements present to initiate a hand hygiene cultural change: leadership engagement, hand
hygiene resources, teamwork and YOU!
Hand hygiene is important for EVERY associate because germs like to take a ride on any vehicle that they
can. Whether you work in patient care areas or in the business office, medical records, nutritional services or
maintenance, every associate has a role in developing a hand hygiene compliant culture. So let’s work together!
Our recent visit to Providence
Express Care was an outstanding
example of compassionate, excellent
care. As a mom, I was definitely
concerned that my one-year-old
daughter wasn’t feeling well. From
the time we checked in, to the time
we checked out, everyone provided
excellent service and care. Nurse
practitioner Naomi Warren did an
amazing job examining our daughter.
Her gentle and friendly approach
was calming to both of us! I am
thankful for the time and attention
she took in explaining the diagnosis
and treatment plan. Thank you to
the entire Providence Express Care
team for making our experience an
excellent one!
Sincerely,
Erin R.
8 • The Pulse of Providence