|
It's OK to Ask
Proper Hand Hygiene— It's Everyone's Responsibility!
 Practicing proper hand hygiene (hand cleaning) is everyone's responsibility and is the single most important thing that can be done to stop the spread of infection.
That's why we want you to be a part of our hand hygiene program called It's OK to Ask.
During your stay within Lakeland HealthCare everyone on your care team should clean their hands before and after treating you. If you do not see your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider clean their hands with soap and water or use a waterless alcohol hand rub when they enter your room, It's OK to Ask them to please wash or sanitize their hands before coming in direct contact with you. Our staff knows about the It's OK to Ask program and will appreciate the reminder.
Here are a few reasons why hand hygiene is so important to your care:
- Germs are everywhere.
- Sick people get infections easier.
- Infections can keep patients in the hospital longer.
- Even healthy people can spread germs.
Using either soap and water or a waterless alcohol hand rub is extremely effective at reducing the number of germs present on the skin.
- When entering your room or before touching or administering care to you or your loved one.
- Upon leaving your room, if they have touched you or any object in the room.When hands are visibly dirty.
- When hands are soiled with blood or other bodily fluids.
- After visiting a restroom.
- Before and after eating.
Practicing good hand hygiene is the single most important thing you can do to stop the spread of infection. It's a healthy habit for anyone, whether you are in the hospital, at work, or at home.
Remember, It's OK to Ask your caregiver and family members to clean their hands... your health may depend on it.
In addition, soap and water should be used:
Washing with an alcohol hand rub should be done by everyone:
|
