Hand hygiene is the most important means of preventing the spread of infection.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is committed to reducing the risk of infection to patients while staying in hospital. All staff, patients and visitors are encouraged to clean their hands often. Our Hand Hygiene Program includes:

• Signs and Posters throughout all our buildings
• Over three thousand alcohol-based hand rub dispensers at entrances and exits, elevators, outside and inside patient rooms, entrances to other units and many other places
• Regular monitoring of staff hand hygiene practices by Hand Hygiene Auditors
• Annual reporting of hand hygiene rates to the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). To see our compliance rate, past data and how we compare to other health care organizations please click here.
• At St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, we ask that you wash your hands thoroughly with either soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer when:
  • Entering or leaving the hospital
  • Entering or leaving a patient room
  • Before and after touching a patient or patient environment
  • Before and after eating
  • When hands are visibly soiled
  • After using the toilet
  • After coughing or sneezing
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow and not into your hands

We all play a part in stopping the spread of germs that can make people sick.

If you have any more questions about our hand hygiene policy and compliance, please call 905-522-1155 ext. 33347.