Every year on World Hand Hygiene Day (May 5), Vision Hospital Group (VHG) joins the hospital community in Australia in shining a spotlight on the single, most important action that affects patient safety—washing hands. For a healthcare group specialising in eye procedures, including cataract surgery and eye injections, infection control is critical.
The foundation of patient safety
VHG consistently exceeds the national benchmark for hand hygiene compliance in hospitals (80%). The latest audit figures show VHG’s total hand hygiene moments were 93.4%, which also surpasses the national average of 86.6%. This is no coincidence.
‘Hand hygiene is the most important factor in reducing infections acquired during a stay in hospital,’ says Nicole Moore, one of VHG’s Quality Coordinators. ‘In ophthalmic theatres, where patients are often elderly and the procedures involve the eye, even a single lapse can have serious consequences.’
‘That’s why we prioritise it in our quality and safety strategy and why we have built a culture where hand hygiene is non-negotiable. It’s embedded into everything we do, from surgical prep to day-to-day routines,’ says Ms Moore.
Going above and beyond
The National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) Program was developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to improve hand hygiene practices and reduce healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and healthcare settings.
Select VHG staff members are trained as Hand Hygiene Auditors and monitor and report on internal compliance.
‘Private hospitals in Australia are not required to participate in all aspects of the NHHA Program. Two of the audits are mandatory, but VHG has also chosen to voluntarily participate in the third audit,’ explains Kelli Klassen, another of VHG’s Quality Coordinators.
‘VHG also engages an external infection control consultant. We know the risk of infection is higher in theatre settings, and the potential consequences for our patients can be life-altering. We take that responsibility seriously,’ says Ms Klassen.
Dispelling myths and misconceptions
A common myth is that wearing gloves means you don’t need to wash your hands, says Ms Moore. ‘Or worse, that you can rub sanitiser over gloves and call it hygiene. That’s absolutely not the case, and we’re very careful to make sure our staff know that.’
She says the positive culture and constant auditing at VHG means everyone is accountable and understands the importance of hand hygiene.
‘Every day is World Hand Hygiene Day at VHG. Because it’s more than just having clean hands — it’s about being able to look every patient in the eye and know we’re doing everything we can to protect them.’
You’re in safe hands
Our aim is to deliver world-class care to patients by focusing on the quality and safety of our services. We promise to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your medical care by focusing on three key areas through our In Safe Hands initiative: infection control, emotional safety and wellbeing, and a commitment to quality.
Learn more about our ‘In Safe Hands’ program