NURSES have being spreading the word about the importance of hand hygiene.

The Infection Control Nursing Service, which covers all six primary care trusts (PCTs) in Darlington and County Durham, has been taking the hygiene message around the region.

"Poor hand hygiene is the biggest source of cross-infection and the one that is the most simple to rectify," said infection control nurse Gail Cook.

"So the team has been setting up displays all over the district and working with healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, health visitors, PCT and SureStart staff. There has been a lot of interest in what we have had to say."

One display was set up in Darlington PCT's walk-in medical centre, in King Street, comprising posters and information leaflets.