Research shows that up to 50% of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) could be prevented through effective hand hygiene practices. Yet today, millions of people worldwide still acquire infections while receiving care that could have been prevented. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we can be proud of our progress: The national hand hygiene compliance rate for public health districts is 84.8%. However, even here, hand hygiene is still missed in 16.3% of cases when gloves are used.

People with injury-related wounds can now self-refer to Nurse Maude for ACC-funded wound care at home or in clinic—no GP or hospital referral needed.