Healthcare Associated Infections

Most Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) come from patients' own bacteria. Although serious infections are rare, it is estimated that at any given time 9% of all inpatients have acquired an infection while in hospital.

Most - though not all - HCAIs can be avoided by better arrangements for prevention and control, and better use of existing knowledge and good practice. One of the most important prevention activities is hand washing by healthcare staff before and after examining each patient.

In Wales, NHS Trusts undertake a range of initiatives to combat the spread of healthcare associated infections, and to ensure all staff are aware of their own personal responsibility in tackling HCAIs.

The National Patient Safety Association has undertaken a 'cleanyourhands' campaign. The campaign has been devised to address the many complex reasons behind low compliance with hand cleaning, and to help NHS hospitals tackle healthcare associated infections.  Visit Clean your hands (external link, English only) for more information.

Related external links

Public Health Wales
Welsh Healthcare Associated Infection Programme (English only)
Patient Safety Agency (English only)