Mr Gareth Hockey, Mrs Ning AN
1Sydney Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
n my 36 years of nursing I have circulated in difference areas. I obtained knowledge and advanced nursing skills through these rotations in a variety of nursing areas which I have been able to provide excellent nursing care in Infection Prevention and Control/ Staff Health Department interstate.
Abstract:
To celebrate WHH Day in 2025, IPC Team from two facilities launched a vibrant and interactive campaign based on the WHH Day theme" It May Be Gloves, But It Is Always Hand Hygiene", The goal was to reinforce that glove use is not a substitute for proper hand hygiene and to promote awareness of the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene in a fun, memorable way.
IPC team dressed in a bear outfit as part of the campaign’s mascot initiative, symbolizing the message: “Don’t Hibernate on Hand Hygiene.” These friendly bears roamed in different departments of Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital with trolleys, holding hand sanitizer bottles, and engaging with staff, patients, and visitors to promote proper hand hygiene.
Key activities included:
– A knowledge-based quiz focused on the 5 Moments of hand hygiene and correct glove usage.
– A “Hand Hygiene Champion” recognition program for staff who demonstrated excellence in compliance and knowledge.
– Distribution of hand hygiene-themed stickers as fun, visual reminders.
– A mini-golf game station designed to attract participation while delivering hand hygiene education in the hall.
– An educational display desk offering handouts, demonstrations, and sanitizer samples for patients and visitors.
– Staff from IPC team also wore aprons with the slogan "Hand Hygiene is Superpower" and hats shaped like hand sanitizer bottles.
The campaign successfully blended education with creativity, visuals, interactive methods to deliver and reinforced a strong core message that while gloves may be worn, hand hygiene must always come first.