The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere joined the Department of Child Health for the launch of the ‘Clean Hands’ Campaign and the outdooring of the Department’s logo.
This initiative, organised for the department’s staff, is to promote and ensure consistent hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers.
In her speech, the Chairperson of the committee, Dr. Joycelyn Assimeng Dame acknowledged the dedication of the Head of Department (HOD), Prof. Catherine Segbefia, whose leadership led to the formation of ambassadors for this programme. “Their commitment to this cause is commendable,” she said.
Dr. Dame shared a poignant story of a nine-year-old girl, Esi, who had been admitted to the department for respiratory infections. Initially responding well to treatment, Esi later developed a secondary bacterial infection, likely transferred through unwashed hands.
Dr. Dame noted that Esi’s story underscores the importance of maintaining strict hand hygiene in care delivery.
The Ag. CEO mentioned in his remarks a plan to increase the budget threshold in response to departmental requests aiming to enhance operational efficiency.
He urged Dr Serwah Amoah, the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) coordinator, to replicate the IPC training in other department, not just Child Health.
Professor Catherine Segbefia, in her address, commended Dr. Joycelyn Assimeng Dame and the entire team for their time and efforts in organising the “Clean Hands” campaign. She affirmed her full support for the remaining activities of the programme.
The Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Harriet Klufio emphasised in her remarks the critical role child care workers play in ensuring the well-being of their patients. “Proper hand hygiene is essential in delivering safe and effective care,” she noted.
A team from the IPC Unit conducted a demonstration on proper handwashing with water and effective hand sanitisation using hand sanitiser.
The theme for this year campaign is “Hands that heal, hands that care, clean hands first, clean hands best.
