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Hand hygeine: Catering Unit bags KPCC IPC trophy
Hand Hygiene: Catering Unit bags KPCC IPC trophy
PHOTO |SHAWN PAUL OMONDI
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KPCC Catering Unit head Ms Anne Wanja (centre) holds the IPC trophy on behalf of her team during the presentation
By Petterson Njogu & Cynthia Angel
The Kenyatta Prime Care Centre Infection Prevention and Control unit (IPC) held its annual IPC trophy presentation to the outstanding unit in hand hygiene within KPCC.
After an extensive audit and assessment carried out by the KNH IPC/OSHE Committee, this year’s trophy was awarded to the KPCC Catering unit. They won the coveted hand hygiene trophy for having the highest hand washing and hand hygiene compliance.
Previously, the trophy was held by Ward 10D.
Hand hygiene is the act of cleaning one’s hands with soap and water to remove viruses, bacteria, microorganisms, dirt or other harmful substances stuck to the hands.
While applauding the kitchen department for the feat, Manager Nursing & Clinical Services at KPCC; Ms. Doris Kimbui, gave a rallying call on the importance of hand hygiene while taking care of the patients. “The importance of hand hygiene can never be taken casually, as KPCC, we endeavor to create an infection-free setting which requires a collective effort from all of us,” said Kimbui. She also issued a challenge to other units to improve during the next handwashing audit.
Receiving the trophy was KPCC Head of Catering, Ms. Anne Wanja- she could not hide her joy while thanking every member of her team who made it possible. “Handwashing and hand hygiene does not only reduce contamination within our unit, but it is also largely a part of our standard routine in the core procedure of cooking; from food handling, preparation to serving, we must get it right on all aspects as we take care of our patients and clients,” concluded Wanja.
As we all know hands are the main pathways for microorganisms transmission, and hand washing goes a long way in averting this.
Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Whether one is at home, at work, traveling, or out in the community.
As we mark World Hand Hygiene Day early next month, it is important to prioritize clean hands in all divergent levels of health environments. It is also important to appreciate the efforts put by IPC champions as key players in achieving the appropriate behaviors and attitudes towards proper hand hygiene and overall sanitation.
Additionally, Coronavirus, being a droplet infection, maintaining proper hand hygiene practices is key in breaking the chain of infection- the reason we should at no time overlook the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene in a Hospital, which include;
1. Before touching a patient 2. Before a procedure 3. After a procedure or body fluids risk 4. After touching a patient 5. After touching a patient’s surroundings
PHOTO | SHAWN PAUL OMONDI
