Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to limit the transmission of organisms in a healthcare setting. Hand hygiene is defined as using the alcohol based hand rubs or washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 15 seconds. However, there are a few instances when utilizing the alcohol based hand rubs is not appropriate. One example is when caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile (C.diff).

Clostridium difficile spores are transferred to patients mainly via the hands of healthcare personnel who have touched a contaminated surface or item. Contact precautions are utilized for patients with known or suspected C.diff associated disease.

When a patient has known or suspected C.diff, a contact precautions sign along with an additional sign to remind healthcare workers to wash their hands with soap and water, should be placed on the door. By following the appropriate isolation precautions and performing proper hand hygiene, the likelihood of spreading microorganisms is greatly decreased.

Your facility Infection Control Director can provide more information and localized training on this topic. A list of these subject-matter experts is below. Please contact either of these individuals with questions or comments regarding hand-hygiene.

Baptist Medical Center
Infection Control Director: Elizabeth Curnow 297-7687

North Central Baptist Hospital
Infection Control Director: Kris Chafin 297-4685

Northeast Baptist Hospital
Infection Control Director: Maria Rodriguez 297-2685

St. Luke's Baptist Hospital
Infection Control Director: Yvonne Kleypas 297-5685

Southeast Baptist Hospital
Infection Control Director: Monica Yates 297-3685