HYGIENE

may be key to preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria in hospitals, but a third of Britons do not wash their hands during visits. Experts say that the issue can put vulnerable patients and staff at risk.

While the majority of visitors did wash their hands in some form, more than half – 53 per cent – said they preferred to use hand gels rather than soap and water.

Hand gels do not work on all bacteria. Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is just one condition which cannot be stopped with alcohol-based gels.

The survey, from TEAL Patents, also revealed that young people are less likely to wash their hands in a hospital compared to middle-age visitors. Respondents over 55 were 15 per cent more likely to wash their hands than those aged 18 to 24.