NHS dials 999 for hygiene push

The NHS Clean Your Hands campaign launches today, in an attempt to improve the hygiene of healthcare workers to prevent the spread of infections, with creative strategy and a visual identity by 999 Design.

The consultancy was tasked with increasing awareness of the importance of hygiene in healthcare environments and prompting staff to clean their hands at the point of care.

Using red and green, to draw on the traffic light awareness system already employed in the NHS to highlight good and bad practices, the posters for the campaign feature detailed photography of well-known hand gestures that work alongside key messages. The images are shown on black backgrounds to ensure they stand out.

The consultancy was appointed by the National Patient Safety Agency in May, following a four-way pitch handled by the Central Office of Information.

‘We were asked to develop an engaging and effective campaign, which we carefully considered and thoroughly researched with the target audience,’ says managing director of 999, Aileen Geraghty. ‘We are confident the campaign will have real standout in busy hospital environments and drive people to take the necessary steps to fight infection.’

The campaign was unveiled this morning at London’s St Bartholemew’s Hospital by Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England.