Before starting I went on a training course to ensure that I knew the different protocols I would need to follow. I was shocked to find out that approximately one in every 10 patients will contract an infection during their stay in hospital. Although patients are more susceptible to infection, because of immunosuppression or surgical wounds, the fact remains that hospitals cause the patients to become infected. I was interested to read Carolyn Edwards's views on grubby hospitals.
Cleaners often think that cleaning a ward is the same as cleaning a home or an office.
Although I was taught about cross infection, bacterial growth, and reproduction during my training few of my fellow domestics took much notice of what was said. As medical students and doctors to be we should lead by example. We should politely challenge people around the hospital who fail to follow the procedures. Although this may cause embarrassment, we are dealing with the welfare of patients. The second way is teamwork.