Personal Injury Law

Keeping Safe in Hospitals: Good Ideas to Protect Yourself from Hospital Infections

By Steven M. Levin and John J. Perconti

Often, hospitals are a source of many hospital infections because surfaces may not be sanitized properly. A recent article from the father of a son who died unexpectedly from a hospital infection explains some tips for avoiding unnecessary bacterial contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 100,000 people die each year from hospital infections. The article recommends that parents bring their own toys to the pediatrician?s office so that children don?t play with the office toys that may harbor bacteria. Additionally, patients should be sure to encourage family members and hospital staff to wash hands in plain sight before making physical contact. Hand washing is essential even if the staff member or doctor is wearing gloves: putting on gloves with unclean hands simply spreads more bacteria and defeats any protection from the glove.

Read more here.

Full post as published by Illinois Medical Malpractice Blog on May 12, 2008 (boomark / email).