School children to aid fight against bugs

Date published: 29/06/2006

Infection control nurses at Rochdale Infirmary will soon be unveiling their latest recruits in the fight against the bugs – artworks created by local school children!

Primary schools in Rochdale have been invited to take part in a competition called "A Handful of Germs’, with pupils being asked to design giant posters based on the theme of handwashing.

The winning design will go on show at the hospital and will also be turned into posters to get across the 'clean your hands' message.

Infection control nurse Anne Taylor said: "There’s a lot of work underway at the hospital to cut the risk of infection, but using the handrub on the wards is something that everyone can do – staff, visitors and patients alike.

"We’re hoping that the artistic efforts of local youngsters will help us get that message across."

The hospital is run by Pennine Acute Trust, whose arts co-ordinator Rob Vale, from Lime Art, will be spending time with each school involved in the competition, helping the children to develop their works.

Rob said: "We’d like to see children aged eight to 11 involved in this project so, through the education authorities, we’ve sent out information to all primary schools in the area.

"Out of our applications, we’ll select six schools for each of the hospitals in Pennine Acute Trust, and I’ll spend time with those schools, working with the teachers to help them with the preparations for the children’s work.

"There will be prizes for the winners from each hospital area, and certificates for all children who take part – and naturally we hope to find some first class artwork to help promote handwashing."

Schools interested in taking part are being asked to contact infection control nurse Sally Roters on sally.roters@pat.nhs.uk or contact the hospital’s communications team on 0161 627 8707/8737 before Wednesday, 12 July.

The competition will be held later this year.