Hospitals take charge with Come Clean Initiative

Cleaning hands properly is necessary for the safest patient care. Data shows that 36% of physicians do not practice proper hand hygiene in the ICU. Good hand hygiene must be the norm in all our hospitals and should become part of our culture. The Come Clean Initiative seeks to promote a culture of correct hand hygiene in all hospitals across the city.

• Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers (preferred).
• Performed after any and all direct patient contact - even when gloves are used.
• Direct patient contact includes: examination of patient, specimen collection, and all procedures.
• Before and after contact with patient's immediate environment or medical equipment.
• Before and after eating, sneezing, coughing, and using the restroom.

Video: Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu

Clean hands can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as the flu. This short video explains the proper way to wash your hands.