Whether it considers that the use of alcohol gel is not an effective substitute for hand washing with appropriate soap or disinfectant in p…

It is important that all staff, patients and visitors not only wash their hands with soap and warm water but combine this practice with the use of alcohol-based hand gels. This approach ensures that staff, patients and visitors are taking every precaution possible to reduce the risk of the spread of all avoidable infections. Hand gels are also available at hospital bedsides as a quick and effective way to protect patients and staff in between hand washing routines.
We recognise that tackling healthcare associated infection (HAI) is everyone''s business
- staff, visitors and patients
- and all have a part to play in driving down infection rates in hospitals. That is why a public awareness raising campaign involving TV and radio adverts ran earlier this year to educate the public on the importance of hand hygiene in reducing the spread of infections. I also launched a further awareness raising campaign aimed at NHS staff, consisting of posters and other supporting materials, in March this year. This is being widened out next year to include the community setting.