WASHING hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent infection spreading.

But do people wash them thoroughly enough?

A little machine called The Light Box can detect whether they have been giving their hands a quick dash under the tap or spending time doing it properly.

The box was featured in special hygiene awareness days in NHS community hospitals organised by Herefordshire Primary Care Trust and Sodexho.

Visitors and staff were invited to wash their hands and then place them in the box and any bacteria still remaining was clearly shown up.

Usually the trouble spots are between the fingers, the palms and fingertips.

Experts were on hand to show the proper techniques in hand washing.

The last awareness day was held at Leominster Community Hospital where many people tested out their hand cleanliness.

The special days also gave people the chance to taste food served up to patients and to make comments. Wendy Huxley Marko, head of corporate risk with the PCT, said the whole campaign went well and she had heard no complaints.

They would study the opinions about the food and she said Sodexho and Tillery Valley, who produce the food in South Wales, were very receptive and willing to listen to comments.