Hand Hygiene Torch ignites support from iconic county aircrew
Published on: 13th September 2016
A campaign which supports the importance of hand hygiene has been given the seal of approval from crew of some of the world’s most famous aircraft.
Pilots and ground crew from the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have taken part in the prestigious Hand Hygiene Torch Relay, to help raise awareness of the importance of keeping your hands clean.
The event was organised by LPFT's Infection Control Nurse Specialist, Jane Lord, and she was joined by Kevin Shaw, Head of Health Protection for Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Groups – who are both keen to spread the word about good hand hygiene across the county.
The torch tour started off at the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby and was pictured alongside the Lancaster (above), Spitfire (below top) and Hurricane (below bottom), before being passed on to the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton, who are gearing up for an eight-week tour of the Middle East and Asia/Pacific region.
Jane said she couldn’t think of anywhere more fitting for the torch to visit.
These aircraft are some of the most famous in the world – where better for the relay to pass through and help us raise more awareness of good hand hygiene
, she said.
Washing your hands is one of the most effective things that anyone can do to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The message is for everybody, not just healthcare staff, which is why we are delighted to receive support from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.
The Hand Hygiene Torch Relay is part of the Infection Prevention Society’s (IPS) year-long call to action campaign, which is making its way around the country to promote hand hygiene globally. It was launched on 5 May and culminates at the end of the month.
Red Arrows Warrant Officer Gary Smith, said his team were happy to carry the torch for LPFT.
Keeping your hands clean is crucial in all aspects of life and particularly for the Red Arrows. We’re very pleased to have been passed the Hand Hygiene Torch for Lincolnshire and support the campaign
