Hand hygiene essential for safe healthcare - International Infection Prevention Week 13-19 October

While hand hygiene training is readily available, the HSE recently introduced mandatory training for all HSE staff and all staff in HSE funded services. Ahead of International Infection Prevention Week 2024, the HSE highlights the importance of effective hand hygiene, which is essential in preventing the spread of infection.

Dr Eimear Brannigan, HSE Clinical Lead for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) says, “International Infection Prevention Week highlights the importance of infection prevention and the actions we can all take to reduce infection. Our focus is on supporting the diverse range of staff who work to protect the health of patients in our services across the country. While hand hygiene training is available widely, it is significant that the HSE has recently introduced mandatory ‘hand hygiene’ training for all HSE staff and staff in HSE funded services. Good hand hygiene is the single most important way to help prevent the spread of infection and this comprehensive e-learning training will further support staff in their work.”

The new mandatory training programme for HSE staff involves completing an eLearning module designed by the HSE’s Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control (AMRIC) team. With this new training staff are required to complete the module by 31 December 2024, with refresher training every two years.

Dr Brannigan continues, “All staff, not just those working in the field of infection, prevention and control (IPC), must be advocates for, and understand why, good IPC practices are so important throughout our services. Staff are supported through training, professional development, access to infection prevention resources and to ensure a consistent approach to IPC across all healthcare settings such as hospitals, residential services, community services and laboratories.

“It’s vital that we continue to strive to implement best practices across the country and to ensure that every patient receives the same high standard of infection prevention, regardless of where they receive their care.”

Infection prevention control is a vital part of providing safe healthcare. International Infection Prevention Week 2024, ‘Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention’, aims to educate, raise awareness and advocate for effective IPC practice. The focus this year is on the role of healthcare professionals in mitigating the spread of infection.

Celebrate the Fundamentals

The fundamentals of infection prevention are proven methods of preventing the spread of infection. These include:

• Hand hygiene
• Cleaning & disinfection
• Vaccination
• PPE
• Respiratory etiquette
• Injection safety

Join the International Infection Prevention Week conversation online at #IIPW.