Infection control

Dress code

Hand hygiene

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Dress code

• Staff are encouraged to wear plastic aprons when in direct contact with the patient N.B Aprons should be removed when leaving the cubicle
• Jerseys and jackets to be removed before entering the ward
• When wearing long sleeve garments, the sleeves must be rolled up to above the elbow
• Finger nails must be clean and short – no nail polish or false nails permitted
• No watches, bangles, rings etc. to be worn whilst on duty (including wedding bands)
• Long hair to be tied-up, off the shoulder and away from the face
• Following contact with cell-phone, pen, file, etc. hands must be disinfected or washed using appropriate hand-spray or soap
• Hand spray or gel should contain at least:
  • 70% ethanol
  • 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate

Hand Hygiene

• Hand hygiene must be practiced at all times
• Hands to be washed
  • On arrival to the ward
  • On departure from the ward
  • After visiting the toilet
  • Whenever there is visible dirt
  • When contaminated with organic matter e.g. body fluids, secretions
• Hand spray and gel should be widely available, preferably at each patient’s crib/incubator
• Ensure that all hand washing equipment is available and in working order
• After hand-washing, hands should be dried with disposable hand towels
• Hands should be completely dry (following washing or spraying) before touching the patient

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Remember to clean stethoscopes with alcohol between every patient.

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Try to do procedures while babies are left in their incubators. If they must be taken to the procedure room, ensure a clean sheet or linen saver on the bed and never allow more than one baby on the bed at a time.

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Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital - Neonatal Care Handbook 2023; Infection Control; Dress code, Hand hygiene
Last checked for updates: January 2024