Infection Control Award for Cleanest Hands

South Texas Regional Medical Center (STR) recently honored the Medical/Surgical Department for winning the monthly “Cleanest Hands Award."

The goal of competition is to promote increased hand hygiene compliance among all healthcare workers including physicians at the medical center. The increased compliance results in an increased benefit to community by preventing hospital acquired infections.

How is the competition maintained and how are winners selected?

Each month several staff and physicians are chosen at random from each clinical department to partake in the competition. Those selected must allow the laboratory department to obtain a sample of microorganisms from three of their fingers. That sample is then cultured at STR to determine how much bacteria is present. 24 hours later, the culture media is viewed. The least growth identifies the lowest presence of bacteria and is therefore named the monthly winner. The winning department then obtains the bragging rights and may display a rotating trophy for a month within their department. The individual whose sample garnered them the win is recognized on behalf of his or her department.

 “The competition has been so well received by all departments and is also a great education tool!” says Stephanie Martignoni, Director of Infection Control.  South Texas Regional Medical Center wishes to congratulate the Medical/ Surgical Department for their win. The importance of infection control is crucial to health and recovery of the patients in that department; therefore it is fitting for them to have such stringent practices regarding excellent hand washing techniques. For more information about South Texas Regional Medical Center, visit www.strmc.com.