At Martin Memorial our primary concern is for your safety and well-being. That’s why we are asking you to join us in our program called “Partners in Your Care.”
Have You Washed Your Hands?
Hand washing is the single most important procedure that is performed in the hospital for preventing the spread of infection to you, the patient. It is important because nationwide, 2.5 million patients annually develop infections.
Also, the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta reported 30,000 deaths directly caused by infections and an additional 70,000 patients had infections that contributed to their death. Hand washing is so important that several governmental and professional agencies list hand washing in their guidelines. Martin Memorial is committed to preventing the spread of infection and asks you to join us in this important effort.
Become a partner with your doctor, nurse and all the healthcare workers that enter your room by asking them the question…
“Did you wash or sanitize your hands?”
When and Where?
Ask the question any time your doctor, nurse or healthcare professional is about to make direct physical contact with you or touches things that are used in your care. This may be in your room or anywhere else in the hospital.
Martin Memorial has about 1,000 hand sanitizing stations in the lobbies of both hospitals, in patient rooms, and in the entry ways to those rooms, as well as signage to indicate where to find those hand sanitizing stations and what they are used for.
Don’t Be Shy!
Our healthcare professionals are interested in your care and will expect you to ask them about hand washing! Your health is in your hands.
About Hand Washing
- Hand washing is the single most important procedure that is performed in the hospital for preventing the spread of infection to you, our patients.
- Germs that cause infections can be spread in a number of ways: the most common is through hands. Hand washing removes germs from the hands and helps protect YOU from infections.
“Partners In Your Care” is a service mark of the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.