The Importance of Washing Your Hands
Hand-washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. You can help us prevent infections by washing your hands frequently. Also, encourage your visitors to wash their hands when they come to see you. Health professionals are quite aware of the importance of hand-washing. If a health professional forgets to do so before providing your care, remind him/her.
You should:
• respect the other patients’ privacy and treat the hospital staff and the patients with respect and dignity, making sure that your visitors do the same. Staff members, other patients and visitors should not have to experience any harassment nor abuse, whether verbal or physical.
• report for medical consultations given by appointment, and if you are unable to attend, you should inform your health professional beforehand.
• provide pertinent information with trust and confidence, regarding your past medical history, such as past illnesses, hospitalization and medication.
• be as involved as possible in your own health care plan, asking to clarify things that you do not understand, by making the best decisions that you can, by discussing your wishes, preferences and decisions with the staff and by taking an active part in your care plan.
• respect hospital policies and regulations in the manner that they were explained to you.
• designate a contact person within your family to reduce the number of telephone calls.