Hygiene and the Medical Field

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• Proper hygiene and the medical field go
  hand-in-hand. Hospitals, clinics, and other
  related medical facilities all require an extra
  level of cleanliness. Because healthcare
  practitioners often encounter patients with a
  wide variety of harmful bacteria, it is the
  responsibility of the medical staff to protect
  themselves as well as their patients from the
  spread of unhealthy germs.

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• The history of hygiene is a fascinating one that
  dates back many centuries
• The word hygiene is derived from Greek
  mythology, based on Hygeia, the Greek goddess of
  health.
• Proper hygiene and sanitation didnt come about
  until the middle to late nineteenth century when
  the discovery of germ theory spawned new public
  health measures.
• The introduction of better hygiene and sanitation
  around the year 1900 saw a sudden increase in
  life expectancy up to 6 years.

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• Every day, healthcare environments are loaded
  with patients who are vulnerable to infection,
  which means placing emphasis on hygiene is a must
  for ensuring everyones health and safety.
• Not only does it keep people protected, but it
  also creates a more inviting atmosphere that
  helps to build trust and assurance between
  doctors and patients.

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• Healthcare-associated infections, otherwise known
  as HAI, pose a very real threat to medical
  spaces, with common infections including MSSA,
  MRSA, and E. coli.
• Fortunately, there are numerous ways healthcare
  providers can reduce the risks
• Ongoing education and training surrounding
  infection control
• Regular cleaning maintenance
• Routine application of disinfectant sanitizer
  between patients
• Rigorous laundering of uniforms

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• Implementing routine training on preventing the
  spread of infection is absolutely necessary for
  every medical facility, and shouldnt be limited
  solely to new employees. Make it an ongoing team
  effort by providing staff with easily accessible
  education and resources on proper hygiene
  protocol. It is also recommended to perform
  regular evaluations to ensure required procedures
  are being followed correctly.

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• In addition to wearing the right medical apparel,
  frequently washing hands and using hand sanitizer
  is also imperative for preventing the spread of
  infection. Potentially infectious bacteria can be
  found everywhere, even in some rather unlikely
  places.
• Scary Fact One study found traces of fecal
  matter on 14 of banknotes and 10 of credit
  cards.1

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• Certain areas in the medical space require
  constant maintenance, sometimes even several
  times a day, therefore it is important to provide
  cleaning staff with a clear definition of
  cleaning roles and responsibilities for every
  possible situation. Along with an indisputable
  understanding of cleaning duties, it is best to
  have a strong supply of cleaning resources
  available to make sure the job is handled
  properly.

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• Wearing the right uniform is paramount to
  maintaining a hygienic approach to healthcare.
  Believe it or not, medical scrubs serve a purpose
  beyond making nurses easily identifiable to their
  patients. They can also aid in the identification
  of contaminants and bodily fluids as well as
  prevent the spread of germs most typically found
  on personal clothing.

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• Prudential Overall Supply has been a leader in
  providing work uniform and supply services since
  1932. Specializing in a variety of industries
  including medical and cleanroom environments, we
  offer top quality brands for lease or purchase,
  as well as TRSA certified Clean Green laundering
  and reusable textile services. For more
  information, call [phone] or visit online
  at http//www.prudentialuniforms.com.

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• http//facts.net/hand-washing-facts/foobox-1/0/Ha
  ndwashing-Statistics-1.jpg

• http//www.haciendapub.com/medicalsentinel/medical
  -history-hygiene-and-sanitation
• http//www.cbipr.com/client-news/cleanliness-is-cr
  ucial-in-healthcare-settings/

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SUMMARY

• Making cleanliness a top priority in the medical
  sphere is a responsibility that can save lives.
  Learn more about the tried-and-tested hygienic
  practices proven to establish happier, healthier
  environments.