Rhinos ace Cuthbertson takes to Leeds Children's Hospital to tackle hand hygiene

Australian rugby league ace Adam Cuthbertson, Rhinos’ ambassador for the hospital, stopped by at the facility’s Clarendon Wing main entrance alongside club mascot Ronnie the Rhino to spread the message today.

The sporting duo helped to judge a children’s poster competition with a ‘wash your hands’ theme, offered out leaflets and took part in activities as part of a week-long awareness raising campaign.

The #safehands hand wash campaign, which follows Global Hand Hygiene Day on May 5, aims to give an insight into how clean hands are crucial to avoiding the spread of infection.

Cuthbertson, who joined Leeds Rhinos from Newcastle Knights in 2015, said: “Hand hygiene should be a priority. The hospital cares for some very poorly youngsters and it is important everyone keeps them safe by not bringing germs into hospital on their hands.”

During this week’s #safehands campaign, wards and departments across Leeds Children’s Hospital will be holding their own events including ‘hand washing patrols’ to reinforce the message.

Rachel Hollis, who is a matron at Leeds Children’s Hospital, added: “Staff, visitors and our young patients all have an important part to play in keeping the hospital safe – it is a real team effort, which is why it is great to have the support of the Rhinos in ensuring we quite literally constantly tackle this issue.”

For information on hand hygiene visit who.int/gpsc/en.