Preventing Infections in the Hospital

At Abbeville General Hospital, we strive to provide the best possible care for our patients by minimizing their exposure to germs that cause infection.  Listed here are some of the infection prevention measures our health care workers take to protect you as well as some things you can do to protect yourself while in the hospital.

Your health care workers will:

  1. Wash their hands with soap and water OR alcohol hand sanitizer before and after caring for you.
  2. Use an antiseptic to clean your skin prior to insertion of any medical device such as an IV or catheter.
  3. Wear gloves, masks, gowns, when necessary to prevent the spread of germs.
  4. Explain any isolation precautions that may be necessary while you are in the hospital.
  5. Keep your dressings clean and dry.
  6. Provide you with clean bed linens on a regular basis as requested.
  7. Keep your environment clean,

You can do the following:

  1. Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If you cannot get to the sink, ask your nurse to provide you with hand-washing supplies.  Hand hygiene is the most effective method of preventing the spread of infection.
  2. Make sure your health care workers have washed their hands – do not be afraid to speak up and ask, if you are not sure.
  3. Tell your nurse if a dressing on a wound or IV site becomes loose or soiled so it can be promptly replaced.
  4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, promptly dispose of tissue and wash your hands.
  5. Ask your family members and friend NOT to visit you in the hospital if they are sick.

If you have, any questions or concerns about any of this information presented above, please talk to a member of our health care team.