UK infirmary kiosks to help in the fight against infection

Three new handwashing kiosks have been installed in the main entrance to Hull Royal Infirmary in a bid to help healthcare workers win the fight against infection this winter, according to an article on the Beverley Guardian website.

Having reported its first ward closure due to Norovirus recently, health professionals from Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust are looking to make it as easy as possible for hospital visitors to help reduce the spread of infection, the article said.

“As we head into winter, we always see an increase in the number of viral respiratory infections, and these infections are spread easily through coughing, sneezing and simply touching objects contaminated with the virus, Louise Dalby, infection control nurse for the Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control Team said in the article.

“Healthcare staff are regularly trained and assessed in infection control and prevention techniques such as handwashing, but it’s equally as important for others who are spending time on our wards and in our departments to play their part in reducing the spread of infection too,” she said.

According to the article, the three new handwashing stations are designed to be bright and easily noticed. 

“They are similar in design to those in the new children’s emergency department which have proved really popular, featuring two big hand prints which are initially lit up in red. Once handwashing has occurred, the 'hands' will turn green," Dalby said.

Read the article.