NHS Trust: Take infection control seriously

Newham University Hospital NHS Trust has announced it intends to further reduce the trust’s infection rate – already one of the lowest in North East London.

Special infection control teams and matrons have devised a system using ultraviolet light to highlight the weaknesses in staff handwashing techniques. Staff will apply a special cream on their hands that is sensitive to UV light and then attempt to wash it off.

Any spots left over picked up by the UV light will illustrate areas missed during washing, which could be prone to carrying bacteria like MRSA.

Janet Lucas, a healthcare assistant, commented: “I think this is a brilliant way to make staff aware of how to clean their hands properly. Using this machine really opens your eyes as even after thoroughly washing your hands some spots can still be missed and this shows you where that is likely to be.”

Mavis Barrie, matron for elders, added: “The purpose of this exercise is to ensure staff members understand how to clean their hands effectively.”

Last year, the total number of MRSA bacteraemias recorded in England to September 2005 was 3,580 – an increase of 55 patients on the previous year. However, the Department of Health warned that interpretation of the figures was complex and that a number of issues are involved.

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