Clean Hospitals Day on October 20, 2026

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a particular challenge to patient safety and the quality of care provided [1, 2]. In Europe, around 4.3 million people acquire an HAI every year. It is estimated that at least 20% of these could be prevented through infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes [2].

In addition to their potentially serious health consequences for patients, HAIs are associated with substantial costs, estimated at around €7 billion in Europe [3]. The Clean Hospitals initiative therefore promotes improved hospital hygiene. Through Mission: Infection Prevention (M: IP®), HARTMANN provides hospitals with an efficient medical and care process concept. The aim is to relieve staff of some of their workload and help prevent infections.

However, successful infection prevention cannot be achieved through guidelines and products alone. It begins with the people who implement hygiene measures every day. A sustainable safety culture develops when employees are empowered to take responsibility, recognise risks, and contribute actively to infection prevention. Regular training, clear processes, monitoring and the sharing of best practice provide the foundation for well-informed decision-making and safe action in everyday work.

Empowerment means turning knowledge into action. Consistent hand hygiene, professional surface disinfection, and the implementation of evidence-based prevention standards are among the most effective ways of interrupting transmission routes and protecting patients and staff. Infection prevention is a shared responsibility, whether you are cleaning and hygiene staff or healthcare professionals. Correctly carrying out every measure reduces risks and strengthens safety throughout the entire care pathway.

In addition to expertise and commitment, teams need transparency regarding risks and outcomes. Continuously collecting relevant data, assessing risks and implementing targeted improvement measures helps healthcare facilities to further develop their prevention strategies. This raises important questions: Where are processes already working well? Where are there barriers in day-to-day practice? What support do teams need to reliably implement hygiene measures? Examining workflows can help to embed long-term improvements, making infection prevention an integral part of organisational culture.

In order to realise their full potential, teams require access to modern technologies, practical training and scientifically sound expertise. HARTMANN helps healthcare facilities build knowledge, optimise processes and achieve sustainable improvements through the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER, the HARTMANN Academy and digital solutions that support hygiene and prevention measures.

Clean Hospitals Day 2026 serves as a reminder that infection prevention is a shared responsibility. Bringing together people, knowledge and appropriate solutions creates safer working environments, better conditions for high-quality care, and effective protection for patients and healthcare professionals, in line with this year's motto: 'Empowered Teams, Reduced Risk'.

Promotional Toolkit 2026 - Clean Hospitals

1. https://www.who.int/europe/activities/improving-infection-prevention-and-control-to-prevent-the-spread-of-antimicrobial-resistance (accessed on 13.08.2026)
2. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/each-year-43-million-patients-hospitals-eueea-are-affected-healthcare-associated (accessed on 13.08.2026)
3. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/health-at-a-glance-europe-2024_b3704e14-en/full-report/component-51.html (accessed on 13.08.2026)