SINGAPORE - Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) launched the "I Have Washed My Hands" campaign on Wednesday, in conjunction with World Hand Hygiene Day.

The six-week long effort aims to rope in involve the whole community in raising awareness and getting people into the habit of keeping their hands clean.

The campaign was initiated by the TTSH CareConnect Volunteer Committee, a team of patient volunteers, healthcare professionals and community representatives.

They will be making their rounds in the hospital to teach hand hygiene to other patients and visitors.

Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of the Central Singapore District, was at the campaign launch.

"The campaign helps the World Health Organisation (WHO) goal in promoting hand hygiene to reduce the spread of resistant germs," she said..

Resistant germs, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are a threat to all hospitals.

Hospital patients, who often have weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to infection.

Said Associate Professor Brenda Ang, Chairman of the TTSH Infection Control Committee: "Hand hygiene is one of the measures that will definitely help to reduce transmission."

She added that hospital staff can be very busy, and this is a good reminder for them on its importance.

She also emphasised that hand hygiene is a collective responsibility, and requires community involvement.

One of the volunteers, retired corporate trainer Robbie Tan, 69, highlighted the importance of the campaign and his role in training others.

"I used to miss three out of the seven steps of proper hand washing, and many people also do not know the proper way", he said.