Infection control

We’re doing everything we can to keep the hospital free from infection. And we’re going to need your help as well. There are several things you can do to help us win the fight against infection:

Keep your distance

If you’re planning a visit to the hospital and you’re experiencing symptoms such as a new or worse cough, fever, diarrhea or vomiting,  postpone your visit until your symptoms go away.

If you’re a patient and you’re experiencing those symptoms, tell a member of your care team right away.

You can make sure you don’t catch an infection from another patient by limiting your socializing to common areas – don’t visit other patients’ rooms and don’t allow them to visit your room.

Clean your hands

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection is to clean your hands. You’ll notice alcohol-based hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout the hospital. We encourage you to use them frequently, or to wash frequently with soap and water, especially:

• Before entering and immediately after leaving your room
• Before you eat or drink
• After using the toilet or bedpan
• After touching hospital equipment
• After blowing our nose, sneezing or coughing
• Before and after any physical contact with a patient
• Upon entrance to and exit from the hospital

And remember, it’s OK to ask your visitors and the people who care for you to clean their hands before and after they see you.

Wear protective equipment

Sometimes you’ll see a sign posted on the door of a patient’s room indicatng that we’re taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of infection to other patients, visitors and staff.

If you see one of these signs on your loved one’s room door, ask a health care provider to help you find the proper protective equipment (gloves, gown, mask and eye protection). You’ll need to put that equipment on before you enter the room, and remove it and clean your hands before you leave.