 Certain
patients have special precautions in place, while they are in hospital, because
they have bacteria or viruses which can spread to other patients in the hospital.
We ask you take these precautions so that infections are not spread to other
patients, and in some cases, to protect you.
When there is a green or pink “stop sign” at the door of the room you will be asked to:
- wear a paper gown and gloves while you are in the room.
- remove the gown and gloves and wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer when you leave the room.
- talk to the nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
This is because the patient has a certain bacteria which could spread to other patients, via contact with the patient or items in their room. Most healthy individuals are not at risk from these bacteria; but hospitalized patients are at risk.
When there is a blue “stop sign” at the door of the room you will be asked to:
- wear a special mask while in the room.
- keep the door to the room closed.
- wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer when you leave the room.
- talk to the nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
This is because the patient has a bacteria or virus which can spread through the air and be breathed in by others.
For visitors to patients with green or pink “stop signs”: These precautions are for bacteria which do not make normal, healthy individuals sick. If you are unsure whether you should visit, discuss with the nurse.
For visitors to patients with blue “stop sign”, you will be instructed
by nursing staff on how to wear the mask. If you are unsure whether you should
visit this patient, discuss with the nurse.
What are the 3 best ways to prevent an infection?
Answer: handwashing, handwashing and handwashing.
Numerous studies have shown that persons who frequently wash their hands, get
and spread less infections. This is especially critical in the hospital setting
where patients are sicker and have conditions and procedures that make them
more prone to infection. Most infections are spread via direct contact with
infected persons and, indirectly, on the hands of staff. When staff go from
patient to patient, room to room, or between sites on a patient without washing
their hands they are contributing to the spread of infections to patients and
even to themselves! A 15 second handwash, with warm water, liquid soap, lots
of friction and lather, covering all surfaces of hands, along with thorough
rinsing drying is all it takes to properly wash hands.
Gloves (disposable vinyl or latex ) for infection control and prevention are
used when handling blood or body fluids, or items contaminated with blood or
body fluids, and when entering rooms of patients where green or pink stop signs
are used. Disposable gloves are meant to be worn for a specific task and then
removed and hands washed. When gloves are worn for long periods or for many
tasks they develop small holes and tears. That “sweat” that forms
on your hands when you wear gloves can “leak out” through small
holes and tears when gloves are worn for long periods. In addition, when there
are tears or holes in gloves, bacteria and viruses can still get onto hands.
The outside of the gloves are just as contaminated as your unwashed gloved hands
when you wear gloves them for long periods.
In summary:
HANDWASHING IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFECTION.
GLOVES ACT AS A SPECIAL BARRIER WHEN HANDLING BLOOD OR BODY FLUIDS
OR ITEMS CONTAMINATED WITH THEM.
GLOVES ARE MEANT TO BE USED FOR A SPECIFIC TASK OR PROCEDURE THEN DISCARDED.
HANDS MUST ALWAYS BE WASHED WHEN GLOVES ARE REMOVED.
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