Clean Hands, Safer Care

Infections can spread during everyday care through contaminated hands, equipment, surfaces, and contact with body fluids. Patients with wounds, reduced immunity, or invasive medical devices may face additional risks. Consistent infection-prevention practices help reduce avoidable exposure.

Hand hygiene is fundamental. Clean hands before and after patient contact, before aseptic tasks, after contact with body fluids, and immediately after removing gloves. Use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty; an appropriate alcohol-based hand rub is effective in most other routine care situations.

Maintain safe care practices. Clean and disinfect equipment and frequently touched surfaces appropriately. Use protective equipment according to the task and anticipated exposure. Handle wound dressings and bodily fluids safely, and never reuse disposable items intended for single use. Keep reusable medical equipment properly cleaned and processed between uses.

Recognise changes that may indicate infection. Worsening wound pain, spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus or unusual discharge warrant clinical assessment. Fever may occur, but its absence does not rule out serious infection. New confusion, marked deterioration, or difficulty breathing requires urgent medical assessment.

Infection prevention extends beyond cleanliness. It requires consistent hygiene, safe equipment handling, appropriate precautions, early recognition of complications, and timely communication with the healthcare team.

Educate. Prevent. Monitor. Escalate. Recover.

Simple hygiene measures, safe handling of wounds and medical equipment, and early attention to possible signs of infection can help families reduce infection risks and protect the health of those receiving care at home