As we enter winter, it is more important than ever to familiarise staff, patients and visitors with the simple handwashing steps to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
And, with this in mind, West Suffolk Hospital looked to hand hygiene specialist, TEAL Patents, for support.
West Suffolk Hospital’s Staying Well This Winter campaign highlights the need for handwashing facilities to be visibly available on hospital wards and waiting rooms. Infection control experts at West Suffolk Hospital requested that a number of TEAL’s Stop n’Wash portable units be placed around the hospital at various points of need.
No one is surprised that noses carry millions of bacteria, but many are unaware that up to 50% of all people carry the potentially-harmful staphylococcus bacteria, which makes sneezing one of the easiest ways for germs to run rife. The best preventative measure to combat illnesses from the common cold to norovirus – is proper handwashing.
Manty Stanley, managing director at TEAL Patents, said: “As it is the season to sneeze, it is vital that everyone – staff, patients and visitors alike – know the dangers of not thoroughly washing their hands after sneezing. West Suffolk Hospital is taking the initiative and giving people better access to washing facilities.
“By making TEAL units available, the hospital allows all to enjoy the gold standard of hand hygiene – washing hands thoroughly with soap under hot, running water.
“Together with the hospital, TEAL is trying to ensure that all visitors are germ-free and enjoy the Christmas season without the threat of catching a common illness such as colds or potentially-deadly influenza.”
TEAL Patents – the world’s leading manufacturer of portable, hot water, handwash units that require no access to mains water or drainage – has been working in partnership with healthcare organisations and NHS infection control departments for over 15 years, providing units to meet specific requirements.
The TEAL Stop n’Wash, has been designed in collaboration with NHS infection control professionals to ensure it meets their needs. Built to educate and encourage the correct handwashing procedures, the unit features a synchronised video display taking users through the seven hand rubbing actions as specified by NHS guidelines.
Touch-free and fully automatic, the device has no levers or taps to re-infect hands. Pathogen-safe, the TEAL Stop n’Wash has a simple hygiene cycle using 500ppm chlorine every 24 hours.
