IN today’s society personal hygiene has become more important than ever before, especially since scientific studies have shown how simple hygienic practices can benefit one’s health, or how dangerous it can be to neglect these habits.

In light of World Hygiene Day (5 May), the Netcare Umhlanga Hospital took part in a community outreach programme to teach the pupils at the Grandmore Primary School in Phoenix about the optimal hand washing technique.

“As a hospital, general hygiene, especially hand washing, has become second nature to us so we wanted to take our knowledge and share it with others to raise awareness and empower the community. We wanted to teach the pupils that general hygiene starts with the individual, and through their efforts they can reduce cross-infection. By teaching them the skills they can take the information home and share it with their family and friends,” said the hospital’s new general manager, Marc van Heerden.

Van Heerden started his career as an advanced life support paramedic, and though his interest in the administration and management side of the medical field he worked his way through the various divisions.