Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene relates to the removal or killing of germs present on your hands. Hand hygiene is important for everyone as it is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
Proper hand hygiene can be accomplished by using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and running water. An alcohol-based hand rub should be used:
- Upon entering and exiting the hospital
- Upon entering and exiting a patient room
- After sneezing or coughing
Alcohol based hand rub stations are located at every entrance, in elevator lobbies, as well as inside and outside of every patient room at Runnymede.
Hand washing with soap and water is done:
- After using the toilet
- Any time hands are visibly soiled
- If you are in direct contact with a patient who has C. difficile
To learn more about hand hygiene, please refer to our hand hygiene brochure (please click here for a version in Italian, and click here for a version in Portuguese).
To learn more about what Runnymede is doing to prevent infections, please read our infection control brochure (please click here for a version in Italian and click here for a version in Portuguese).
Ongoing monitoring and auditing of hand hygiene practices is key. Hand hygiene compliance rates are calculated and feedback is provided to all.
Hand Hygiene Compliance Rates
(April 2023- March 2024)
- Hand hygiene compliance before initial patient/patient environment contact is 91%
- Hand hygiene compliance after patient/patient environment contact is 93%
(April 2022- March 2023)
- Hand hygiene compliance before initial patient/patient environment contact is 93%.
- Hand hygiene compliance after patient/patient environment contact is 94%.
(April 2021- March 2022)
- Hand hygiene compliance before initial patient/patient environment contact is 93%.
- Hand hygiene compliance after patient/patient environment contact is 92%.
(April 2020- March 2021)
- Hand hygiene compliance before initial patient/patient environment contact is 91%.
- Hand hygiene compliance after patient/patient environment contact is 92%.
(April 2019 – March 2020)
- Compliance before initial patient/patient environment contact: 90%.
- Compliance after patient/patient environment contact: 89%.
For more information about how our rates are calculated or to find out more about hand hygiene, please contact our infection prevention and control practitioner at 416-762-7316, ext. 2238.