Cura Day Hospitals Group (Cura) marked World Hand Hygiene Day on Tuesday 5th May 2026 by highlighting the rollout of its “Rub In, Rub Out” (RIRO) initiative, a group wide program designed to strengthen hand hygiene practices and reinforce a culture of patient safety. 

Launched across Cura’s 39 facilities in April, the initiative re-energised the Group’s existing hand hygiene program by introducing a simple and consistent rule for staff: rub in every time you enter a patient zone and rub out every time you exit. 

A patient zone includes the patient and their immediate surroundings, including the bed, bedside table, bed rails, monitors and IV poles. The approach helps ensure hand hygiene is performed consistently whenever healthcare workers move in and out of these spaces. 

The program supports improved compliance with the internationally recognised WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene and aligns with infection prevention standards endorsed by Hand Hygiene Australia. 

The initiative was led by Esther Du Toit, who oversaw its development and implementation across the group. 

The program focuses on four key behaviours designed to support lasting change: 

• Rub In, Rub Out – perform hand hygiene when entering and leaving every patient zone 

• Hold One Another Accountable – encourage staff to speak up and remind colleagues 

• Say “Thank You” – acknowledge reminders and reinforce positive behaviours 

• Use gloves when appropriate and minimise unnecessary glove use to support environmental sustainability 

The behavioural approach was informed by the VitalSmarts Influencer Training Program, which demonstrates that focusing on a small number of vital behaviours can lead to meaningful improvements in workplace practices. 

A similar model implemented at Spectrum Health in the United States saw hand hygiene compliance increase from 60 per cent to 90 per cent within two months, demonstrating the impact that clear expectations and peer accountability can achieve. 

Across Cura hospitals, staff were invited to take part by signing a Hand Hygiene Pledge, with hand hygiene champions nominated within clinical areas to support engagement and encourage best practice. 

As part of the initiative, Cura is working in partnership with Ecolab to bring added recognition and engagement to hand hygiene performance across the Group. Together, Cura and Ecolab are introducing a rotating awards program featuring trophies for Greatest Improvement and Greatest Consistency in hand hygiene compliance. The trophies will move between facilities following each twice yearly Hand Hygiene Audit submission, recognising and celebrating outstanding achievement. 

Ecolab are also delivering Hand Hygiene Excellence Program education sessions for staff at several Cura facilities, further strengthening knowledge and practical application at the frontline.  

By aligning Rub In, Rub Out with World Hand Hygiene Day, Cura Day Hospitals Group continues to highlight the vital role that simple, consistent hand hygiene practices play in preventing healthcare associated infections and maintaining high standards of patient care.  

Through practical, evidence‑based initiatives and strong industry partnerships, Cura remains committed to safer care for both patients and staff.