A trip to the hospital can be daunting, but ultimately, the aim for every visit is to get better. Doctors and medical staff have years of training behind them, which means they are best placed to find suitable treatments for your particular ailment.
Usually, you’ll receive a high standard of care and recover, or at least be able to manage your symptoms better. Sadly, this doesn’t always happen. Hospital-acquired infections account for thousands of deaths every year in the U.S.
What are some of the common causes of hospital-acquired infections?
Poor hygiene practices among the staff
It is pivotal that hospitals maintain the highest standards of hygiene. Not only will some patients be receiving treatment for infections that may spread, but most patients will be susceptible to acquiring infections because their immune system has been weakened. Cleanliness is one of the most useful ways to combat and prevent infections. If a hospital falls short in this area, they are putting patients at risk.
It’s not only important to keep the hospital building clean, but doctors, nurses and other medical staff must also be clean. Medical uniforms should be clean and changed if contaminated. It’s also vital that staff regularly wash their hands and sterilize equipment that comes into contact with patients.
These are just some of the most common causes of hospital-acquired infections, with overcrowding, understaffing and aged equipment also playing a significant factor. If you feel that a medical institution has failed in the duty of care owed to you, you may be able to hold them to account. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options.