Hand hygiene in New Zealand hospitals improving

Good hand-hygiene practices were being followed nearly 73 percent of the time in New Zealand hospitals, according to a report on the NZDoctor website. This compares to 62 percent during July to October 2012. 

A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) documents the scope of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and states that resistance to common bacteria has reached concerning levels, with some treatments now ineffective against common infections, the article said.

New Zealand’s hand-hygiene program, which started in 2009, is based on the WHO’s "5 Moments for Hand Hygiene."

“Steady improvements in hand hygiene practice indicate that good habits are becoming more common practice in health professionals,” said Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew. “It also emphasizes the increased focus on quality improvement and patient safety that is happening in our hospitals.”

Read the article.