Help fight infection during hospital visits
You can contribute to healthcare safety.
While you are visiting at the hospital, many people will enter your loved one's room, from doctors and nurses to aides and orderlies. The information on this page will help make this a safe and comfortable experience for all.
Don't be afraid to ask:
- To see the ID of everyone who comes into the patient room
- The staff to check the ID of the patient, if you don't see or hear them check
- If they washed their hands -- even ask them to do again, where you can see
- Why tests are being done, when they will happen, and when you will get results
You, your family and friends should wash hands:
- After touching objects or surfaces in the hospital room
- Before eating
- After using the restroom
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds - the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice or whistle the "Final Jeopardy" theme once.
You may also use an alchohol-based hand cleaner. Apply in the palm of your hand, and rub hands together in a washing motion until your hands are dry. Be sure to get the fingers and both sides of the hands.
We encourage you and your family members to be part of our patient care team. We offer the following information sheets that offer infection control advice for specific hospital-related situations:
- What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk of Infection When Having Surgery
- Catheter Associated Bloodstream infections
- Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections
- FAQs Clostridium Difficile or "C-Diff"
- FAQS - MRSA
- FAQs - Surgical Site Infections
- FAQs - Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
- HIBIClens Guide to General Skin Cleansing at Home
