Preventing Infections
Hospital Acquired Infections
Madera Community Hospital upholds strict hygienic measures to protect our
patients and visitors from infection. The cooperation of our guests is
an essential part of infection safeguarding. The following are a few ways
you can help reduce the risk of infection in the hospital:
- Wash your hands with soap or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently, including
each time you enter and leave a patient’s room.
- Do not touch patients without clean hands. If you shake hands with someone
while in the hospital, be sure to wash your hands soon after.
- Never touch wounds or any equipment connected to patients.
- Ask medical professionals if they have washed their hands before treating
any patients. It’s perfectly OK to ask, we understand your concern
and want to put your mind at ease!
If you are sick please call instead of visiting a patient at the hospital.
Your illness could increase their risk of infection while in the hospital.
Patients on the Medical Surgical floor and Maternity, have phone access.
You may also send patients an
E-Card.
Surgery & Infections
Patients are most susceptible to infections during and immediately after
surgery. There are several ways you can protect yourself from infection
while preparing for surgery:
- Ask your doctor to thoroughly go over what you need to do before surgery.
Certain medications and foods can increase your risk of complications,
including infections, if consumed 24 hours before your operation.
- Diabetes and high blood sugar can increase the risk of infections. Speak
with your doctor about how to manage your diabetes before an operation
for optimal results.
- Obesity can increase the risk of infection after surgery. A healthy, moderate
weight loss plan before an operation can reduce the risk of complications,
ask a healthcare professional for their recommendation.
- Smokers have a higher risk of lung infections following surgery. Participating
in a smoking cessation program can help prepare you for surgery and speed
up the recovery process, even if you only stop temporarily.
Our dedicated infection control nurse can assist you if you would like
to learn more about preventing hospital infections, contact
(559) 675-2701.