Infection control

Hand washing

Hand washing is the single most effective way to decrease the spread of germs. It is important to wash your hands with soap and water after feeding, changing diapers or helping your child in the bathroom, as well as after you have eaten and after you have used the bathroom. In addition, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, you must wash your hands with soap and water for two minutes before entering the room.

Isolation

The purpose of isolation is to help prevent the spread of germs among patients, visitors and hospital staff. The type of isolation depends on how the germ causing the illness spreads. Germs can enter the body through the air or from contact with stool, blood or other body fluids. If a child is in isolation, a sign will be posted on the door outlining special precautions that need to be taken. Please ask the child's nurse if you have any questions.

Patient safety

Infectious diseases can be carried into a hospital from the outside. Therefore, we ask that you do not pick up, hold, feed or play with any child in the hospital but your own. Doing so may cause harm to you, your child or other patients. These guidelines will help protect you and children you have at home from illness and protect other children in the hospital from accidental injury or illness.

Visitors' health

If family members or friends have colds or other infectious diseases, please do not allow them to visit your child. If any family members have been exposed to measles or chicken pox within the last 21 days and never had the illnesses, please do not allow them to visit. Be sure all children who are visiting are up-to-date on their shots.