Harry Potter star's hygiene message

Homegrown Harry Potter star Chris Rankin, who plays Hogwarts prefect Percy Weasley in the hit films, is visiting the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s children’s ward to help spread the hygiene message.

The hospital’s infection control team carries out regular hand washing training sessions for staff and for the public. Good hand washing techniques are the key to helping combat infections and Norfolk actor Chris Rankin has kindly agreed to lend a hand on Christmas Eve.

Hospital infection control nurse Sarah Morter said: “We’re delighted that Chris has agreed to come and help us on Christmas Eve and I’m sure the kids will be very excited to meet Percy Weasley. Hand washing is the first and most important weapon we all have in the war against infection, whether in the home or in hospitals, and it's important that children and adults alike understand the need to wash their hands properly.”

The infection control nurses will demonstrate how to wash hands properly and using fake “bacteria” and an ultraviolet light to show how effectively hands have been cleaned. Chris will also “donate” his handprint as part of the hospital’s celebrity handprints campaign.

Chris Rankin’s hygiene handprint will join former Norwich City goalkeeper Bryan Gunn’s and TV food critic Loyd Grossman’s in our hand hygiene wall of fame soon to be displayed in the hospital.

The Norfolk actor, who is currently appearing as Percival in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at Norwich’s Theatre Royal, will be visiting the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s Buxton ward at 10am on Tuesday December 24th.