Hand Hygiene
One of the best defenses against germs is frequent, thorough handwashing and use of hand sanitizer (gel). It is also one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to combat the spread of germs and infections.
Our hand hygiene program includes:
- Signs and posters reminding everyone of the importance of hand hygiene
- Regular monitoring of staff hand hygiene practices
- Gel dispensers are located throughout our clinics and hospitals; all patients and visitors are welcome - and encouraged to use them
- As a patient or visitor, please clean your hands thoroughly with either gel or soap and water:
- When entering or leaving the hospital
- When entering or leaving a patient room
- Before and after touching a patient or patient environment
- If you come in contact with a wound, blood or other body fluids
- Before and after eating or handling food
- When hands are visibly dirty
- After using the toilet or changing a diaper
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
Simple steps to washing your hands well:
- Adjust water temperature to warm and wet hands with running water
- Apply one to two pumps of soap
- Rub hands together covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers
- Rinse well under running water
- Pat hands dry with paper toweling
- Turn off faucet with the towel
Tips for effective use of hand sanitizer
- Use a sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
- In most cases, unscented gel is most effective
- Apply enough (about dime size) to wet hands completely
- Rub hands together about 15-30 seconds until hands are dry
- Include all areas—between fingers, around nailbeds and up to your wrists
Other important information
- Gel is gentler and less drying than soap and water and is best:
- Before preparing/handling/eating food
- When you are sick
- Sometimes is it better to use soap and water, such as:
- When hands are visibly dirty
- After using the bathroom
- A good rule of thumb: Below the belt (ex: after using the bathroom or changing a diaper) wash with soap and water. Above the belt (ex: after blowing your nose or shaking hands) use gel.
If you have any questions about hand hygiene, talk with your healthcare provider or call Gundersen Infection Control at (608) 775-6810.