Hand Hygiene is one of the most effective actions to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the COVID-19 virus. Conducting hand hygiene at the right time, using the right technique, with either Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) or soap, water and disposable towels is critical.
All healthcare staff should follow the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual to prevent spreading infection to those in the healthcare setting.
Members of the public can help prevent infections when visiting healthcare settings by following the advice in our Healthcare Associated Infection: Information for the public leaflet.
Further information about the global campaign led by the World health Organisation can be found on the WHO website.
Useful Resources
Contact Information
Contact Name: Stefan Morton, LHBC, Infection Prevention and Control
Email: stefan.morton@nhs.scot
5 Moments for Hand Hygiene
Our poster and video demonstrates the 5 moments of hand hygiene.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) staff collaborated to produce an informational video regarding 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene. This was developed to highlight the common failures that medical staff incur, as reported in audits of compliance. The video also highlights various anecdotal responses when challenged, given by existing medical staff members within NHSGGC. It features an introduction and closing statement by David Stewart, Lead Director for Acute Medical Services.
Staff involved in making this video were recruited from the North East IPC Team and Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI). Recording and post-production was carried out by GRI Medical Illustrations.
6 Steps for Hand Hygiene
Evidence Base, Medical Staff Information, Zero Tolerance and Frequently Asked Questions
Hand Hygiene Videos
Please click on the links below to view the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Hand Hygiene Videos. The videos are best viewed with sound on.
- Hand Hygiene – What’s Stopping You (video with audio)
- Hand Hygiene – What’s Stopping You (video with no audio, subtitles)
Top Tips for Preventing Infection, Useful Links and Hand Hygiene Education
Infection Control training modules, including those offered by NES, can be accessed via learnPro.
Hand Hygiene Audits
Hand Hygiene audits should be carried out on a monthly basis within NHSGGC wards and departments. The audit tool should be utilised in conjunction with the information contained in the documents. The audit should not be carried out by the SCN as awareness of senior staff can change practice in clinical areas. 2-3 auditors should be chosen from a mixture of grades, including Bands 5 and 6 and HCSWs.
The data gathered should then be uploaded to the CAIR Dashboard.
Please note, exactly 20 observations must be recorded to complete an audit; any more or less will result in an error.
For further information regarding this process, please contact Stefan.morton@nhs.scot