Hands-on approach to beat hospital bugs

Staff practise washing their hands using the dye

A hospital trust in West Yorkshire is battling against the rise of bugs and infections by promoting hand washing.

Staff at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital can wash their hands using a cream containing an invisible blue dye.

Hands are then put in an ultra-violet cabinet with the dye showing which areas have been missed.

Since 1999 the hospital has had a handwashing roadshow to teach staff the importance of cleanliness.

Positive response

Infection Control Expert Carole Hallam said: "We dedicate one week a year to take the cabinet into the workplace and let staff have a go at hand washing.

"We are using the cream to help to improve the technique of hand washing.

"With the dye, staff can see the areas they have missed.

"You pick up germs continuously in hospital touching surfaces and people."