Moment 5 - After Touching a Patient's Surroundings
WHY:
To protect yourself and the healthcare surroundings from harmful patient germs
WHEN:
|
After touching the patient’s immediate surroundings when the patient has not been touched.
|
Patient surroundings include: Bed, Bedrails, Linen, Table, Bedside chart, Bedside locker, Call bell/TV remote control, Light switches, Personal belongings (including books, Mobility aids), Chair, Foot stool, Monkey bar
|
TO PREVENT: Infection in HCWs and / or cross colonisation of the healthcare environment and HCWs
After touching the patient's environment the HCW has the patient’s micro-organisms on their hands; these micro-organisms can be passed on to whatever the HCW is in contact with next.