To determine the effectiveness of our messaging for hand hygiene compliance by profession we conducted a hospital-wide survey followed by profession specific focus group discussions to investigate impact, perceptions, and areas for improvement. Results showed a good understanding that hand hygiene was a crucial part of the infection prevention programme however the acceptance and impact of messages varied between professions and required tailoring. Motivation, use of influential role models and social cohesion should be considered when designing profession specific messages to improve infection prevention - related - change uptake among health care professional groups.