show that selective disinfection, which means
thorough and frequent cleaning of hand contact
sites, can result in a high hygiene level whilst using
fewer disinfectants.
Fortunately, antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms are
still very susceptible to disinfectants. The
JohnsonDiversey disinfectant range has European
Standard microbiological test data from accredited
test laboratories and is fully compliant with
legislation. However, this range is only part of our
planned approach of integrated cleaning and hygiene
systems. Only by adopting an holistic and integrated
approach can such infections be reduced. This means
not only using the right products, but also managing
all aspects of cleaning and hygiene into a workable
and consistent programme. JohnsonDiversey
products, equipment and utensils are packaged into
cleaning systems, while easy-to-understand
pictogram labels and management tools, such as
hygiene planners, method cards and product
information sheets, facilitate quick and error-free use.
Two areas that have a major impact on infection in
hospitals are hand and kitchen hygiene.
Hand Hygiene
Hospital staff, doctors, nurses and auxiliary personnel
come into contact with many patients and their
hands provide an ideal vehicle for crosscontamination.
It is therefore essential that there are
adequate hand-washing facilities and effective
products in place. Staff are more likely to wash their
hands if the wash basin/sink is readily accessible, the
water is neither too hot nor too cold and there is a
pleasant – ideally, liquid – soap to use. Bar soap may
be adequate in the home where everyone shares a
similar microbial flora but, in hospitals, bar soap itself
can be a source of contamination. It is therefore
important that there are liquid soap dispensers to
hand, ideally of cartridge type. Cartridge soap does
not suffer from the problems of refillable dispensers,
which, if they are not properly maintained, kept
clean and disinfected, can be a source of microorganisms.
There should also be adequate facilities
for drying hands. Paper towels or cabinet towels are
recommended as hot-air dryers have been known to
spread micro-organisms.
If wash basins are not readily available, alcohol-based
hand disinfectants should be used, particularly for
staff with patient contact. However, liquid alcoholbased
hand disinfectants, although very effective at
reducing bacteria, tend to be harsh on hands and,
consequently, there is a reluctance to use them. A
recent development by leading companies such as
JohnsonDiversey is alcohol gels. In these products,
the alcohol has been formulated with emollients, so
that they are kinder to the hands than liquid alcohols
and, consequently, staff are very likely to use them.
Recently, JohnsonDiversey was told that the
incidence of MRSA in a UK hospital dropped to
almost zero since Leverline Med was introduced.
The JohnsonDiversey-integrated handcare system
comprises soap, alcohol gel and conditioner.
An alcoholic disinfectant, even a gel, should never be
applied to wet hands as the alcohol takes longer to
flash off, increasing the risk of dermatitis.
K i t c h e n Hygiene
Good hygiene is vital in a hospital kitchen – the results
could be disastrous if the food became contaminated.
Our answer is the innovative JohnsonDiversey
SafeKitchen programme. SafeKitchen provides
advice, systems and products that will ensure safety,
cleanliness and efficiency throughout the commercial
kitchen. It reduces the risk of food contamination
and personal accidents, increases productivity by
minimising downtime and results in considerable
cost savings, while still complying with all the latest
regulations. In essence, SafeKitchen is safe for staff,
patients, the environment and the equipment.
The programme combines an efficient product
portfolio with advice and training for staff on the
safest and most efficient way to clean hygienically. It
provides an active approach to hygiene compliance
and the reduction of accidents.
Taking Care of Other Areas
Although this article places emphasis on hand and
Kitchen hygiene, JohnsonDiversey can offer a full
Range of products and systems throughout the
Hospital. The comprehensive range includes products
for general surface cleaning and disinfection,
instrument decontamination, hospital laundries and
even hospital vehicles. There are disinfectants that
can combat outbreaks of even virulent infections.
Staff Training
Even the best hygiene package will not be effective
unless it is used properly. It is vital that staff are
trained appropriately. JohnsonDiversey’s working
methodology is to liaise closely with infectioncontrol
nurses to ensure that cleaning – and, where
appropriate, disinfection – is executed properly.
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