Infection prevention

Hand hygiene

Good hand hygiene is the simplest and most important way to prevent infections. That is why our care providers disinfect their hands at set moments, for example before and after care contact.

As a patient or visitor, you also play an important role. Disinfect your hands when you enter or leave a patient room. Feel free to speak to a caregiver if you are unsure whether they have disinfected their hands.

You can find more information on how to correctly wash your hands on the infochart below.

Isolation measures

Sometimes extra care is needed. For example, when someone carries an infectious bacterium or virus. In that case, we take isolation measures to protect other patients and staff.

Isolation does not always mean that you are seriously ill. It mainly means that a germ can be passed on. Depending on the situation, care workers may wear gloves, an apron or a face mask. The measures are clearly displayed on the room door.

Visitors should report to the nurse before entering the room. This way, they know which measures are needed.

You can find more information about isolation measures in the brochure below. 

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO)

Multidrug-resistant organisms are bacteria that are less sensitive to certain antibiotics. This means that infections caused by these bacteria can sometimes be more difficult to treat.

You can carry an MDRO without being ill. To prevent spreading, the hospital may take extra measures. These may include screening, staying in a single room or adapted protective equipment for care providers.

For family members and visitors, an MDRO is usually not dangerous. However, good hand hygiene remains important.

You can read more about MDRO in the brochure below.

What can you do yourself?

You help prevent infections by paying attention to a few simple measures:

• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Cough or sneeze into a paper tissue or into your elbow.
• Avoid contact with people who are ill, have a fever, are coughing or have a cold.
• Do not touch wounds, catheters or dressings unnecessarily.
• Disinfect small wounds immediately.
• Contact your doctor or nurse if you notice signs of infection or have a fever.