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Bedside disinfectants used to reduce superbugs

Infection Control Monitor, September 3, 2004

In an effort to curb the rising number of healthcare-acquired infections, a new government-funded campaign in England requires all hospitals to provide disinfectant wipes at the bedside of every patient by April 2005, the Evening Standard (London) reports.

Patient safety agencies in that country have expressed concern over the number of cases of illnesses such as Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which could be spread by poor hygiene.

Although many hospital wards already supply the antiseptic wipes, some facilities report that staff and patients fail to use them. Under the government's program, staff must use the rubs between every patient contact to reduce the risk of spreading germs. In addition, patients are encouraged to ask staff whether they washed their hands before treating them.

The program, called the "cleanyourhands" campaign, started with six hospitals taking part in a pilot project, which resulted in staff at those facilities tripling their hand-cleaning rate.

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