Hospital Negligence: Hand Hygiene Contributes To Post-Surgical Infections

Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) account for roughly 75,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to the Center for Disease Control. In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, 7% of patients who undergo surgery continue to acquire infections post-operation. Many of these infections are preventable through simple recommended procedures like washing hands which has proven to drastically reduce infection rates.

How can you protect yourself from acquiring one of these infections?

• Do your research. The Center for Disease Control keeps and publishes statistics on which hospitals have the lowest occurrences of HAIs.
• Ask your physician/surgeon what steps your hospital is taking to prevent HAIs.
• Understand the proper procedures that hospitals should be taking when handling needles and syringes as well as cleaning procedures. Discuss these steps with your healthcare provider to assure that these procedures are being followed.

Hospital acquired infections are a serious issue and often times are preventable when your healthcare provider follows the appropriate procedures outlined by the Center for Disease Control.

Protect your long term interests if you’ve experienced one of these infections by speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney at McEnery Price Messey & Sullivan.