There is much in the news about the growing concern at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over drug-resistant bacteria. Patients are encouraged to not overuse or misuse antibiotics and antibacterial soaps.
But some bacterial infections are acquired in hospitals. Hospitalized patients who are receiving invasive treatments, such as catheterization, should remember they have a right to ask for and expect that the supplies used are sterile.
For instance, if IV tubing falls from its sterile packaging onto the hospital floor, it should be discarded, not used. In addition, all hospital staff should be reminded to do something as simple as washing their hands before caring for each patient. Patients should ask for this if they don’t see it done.
