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Why handwashing facilities at the point of need are important in care homes
In terms of "technology" I would imagine that this is more "low tech" - but addresses a very important issue in care homes - and indeed with home care.
I wasn't aware until recently that certain illness such as norovirus (seemingly all over the place at the moment) cannot be controlled with alcohol hand gels - they simply do not work.
And E. coli is proving to be a particular concern in the care home environment.
A recent article that I read raised concerns about the fact that antibiotic resistance is becoming more common - a particular concern with certain variations.
“Strains which have Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) – enzymes that destroy penicillin and another antibiotic, cephalosporin – are causing particular concern.”
The article quotes University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School’s Prof David Livermore who led the research. He is quoted as saying that whilst food hygiene is important with regard to E. coli containment, toilet hygiene should be given the highest priority.
“Here – in the case of ESBL-E. coli – it’s much more important to wash your hands after going to the toilet.”
Prof Livermore also raised particular concerns about the need for effective hand hygiene in care homes.
“It’s particularly important to have good hygiene in care homes, as most of the severe E. coli infections occur among the elderly, and people may need help going to the toilet.”
Hand washing the key for E. coli control – particularly in care homes »
