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At The Ottawa Hospital, patient safety is our priority. To prevent the spread of germs and infections, health-care providers must clean their hands and equipment frequently.

Infections can be especially serious for hospitalized patients. You can play an important role in preventing these infections by following the tips below:

• Do not visit is you are sick, have a fever, cough, or  diarrhea
• Do not use patient washrooms
• Do not touch hospital supplies, ask staff for the items you require
• Do not enter unknown areas of the hospital
• Do not visit other patients

Hand washing

Clean hands are important in preventing the spread of germs. Hand washing involves thoroughly cleaning your hands with soap and water, or a waterless, alcohol-based hand gel or foam product frequently throughout the day, especially before entering and upon exiting a patient room, before eating or drinking, after sneezing, coughing or using the washroom. Please use the alcohol based hand rub available in patient rooms and throughout our facilities frequently when visiting our hospital.

Cover your cough

Respiratory infections like the flu spread easily. When you cough or sneeze, it is important to use a tissue to cover your mouth and/or nose. Dispose of the tissue immediately and clean your hands. If you are able, try using your elbow to block your cough. If you cough or sneeze into your hands, you should wash your hands immediately; your hands can spread germs to surfaces or people you may touch.

Isolation rooms

Sometimes patients require extra infection control precautions and have a sign posted at the entrance to their rooms or bed space. If you see a sign, please stop at the nurse’s station for instruction before you enter. You may need to wear gloves, and/or mask with visor. Our health care providers will help you put them on an take them off correctly

Thank you for helping us to maintain a safe environment for our patients. If you have questions, please discuss with any member of the health care team.

Last updated on: November 16th, 2016