HHS HealthBeat (September 07, 2007)

Tell your doctor what to do

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Rand Gardner with HHS HealthBeat.

Has your doctor or nurse washed his or her hands? Maybe you should remind them.

Worldwide at any given time, about 1.4 million people will get seriously ill due to an infection they got in the hospital or other health care setting.  Yet simple hand washing can prevent many of them.

Patients can encourage their health care providers to wash their hands. A family member, friend, or other type of advocate can also take up the cause.

The director of HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, suggests a way to discuss it with your health provider:

"It is very possible to say something like, 'You know, I’ve read that hand washing is really important and that sometimes doctors, nurses are too busy to remember. Have you washed your hands?'" (10 seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Rand Gardner.

Last revised: September, 07 2007