Today was dedicated to infection control keeping patients and their families aware from morning to evening.

Greetings of the day,

Today was a different day in our hospital. On the occasion of Infection Control Week, we decided that not only the staff, but also our patients and their families should understand the basic principles of infection prevention. It is often seen that the infection spreads due to neglect of hand hygiene and general hygiene during treatment. To explain this, our team conducted a short but effective training session.

Early in the morning the Infection Control team visited OPD and ward areas. In the first group, family members of the patients were gathered and they were told in very simple words why hand washing is important. Our nursing staff explained the “Five Moments of Hand Hygiene” - such as cleaning hands before and after patient contact, washing hands after touching equipment or surfaces, and measures to protect yourself and others from infection.

During the session our Infection Control Nurse demonstrated the correct use of hand rub as a demo. Everyone present watched attentively and some even repeated it themselves. The atmosphere was very positive - people were not only listening but also asking their questions, like “What to do if water is not available?”, “Which sanitizer is suitable for children?” Etcetera. Our team gave simple and practical answers to these questions.

After this, another session was organized for other patients and their relatives sitting in the waiting area. Here we shared tidbits on infection prevention practices - like using a tissue when coughing or sneezing, cleanliness of patient's clothing, and the need to wear a mask inside the hospital. Everyone listened to it very attentively and many said that they would go home and tell these things to their families too.

During this time, members of our Infection Control Team also distributed pamphlets and posters, on which Hand Hygiene Steps were shown through pictures. This made it easier for them to remember this information.

At the end of the session when we thanked everyone present, their eyes showed both satisfaction and understanding. Seeing this, it seemed that our initiative is a small but effective step not only for the hospital, but for the health of the entire society.

Today taught us that infection control is not only the responsibility of the nurse or doctor, but of every person who comes in contact with the patient in some way or the other. Such training programs not only increase awareness but also help in reducing the cases of hospital infections.