Watch Out for the Dirtiest Places in the Hospital

When it comes to bacteria and germs, hospitals and health clinics don’t rate very well. These are facilities where germs lurk practically everywhere – from the washroom facilities, to the laundry areas, and even to the cafeteria. Not surprisingly, the dirtiest places in the hospital are actually quite common - doorknobs, elevator buttons, and office equipment like keyboards and phones.

Some of the dirtiest places in the hospital

As a visitor (or patient) you really can’t control the hygiene and sterility of a hospital. The best you can do is to take precautions and reduce exposure. Hand sanitizers are a must and those disinfecting wipes can come in handy to wipe down surfaces. As well, the experts concur that washing hands is the key to preventing the spread of germs and bacteria. However, it’s the prime responsibility of the hospital or health clinic to keep the facility clean, sanitized, and hygienic.

Common Areas

One of the dirtiest places in the hospital turns out to be the common areas like elevator buttons, door knobs/handles, and office countertops. And while medical personnel follow hand-washing rules, many others do not. The common areas allow germs and bacteria to accumulate, and make it possible for considerable spreading of germs. The answer, of course, is to keep those common areas clean and hygienic on a 24 hour-a-day basis.

Bed Curtains

The hanging curtains that surround patient beds (and emergency departments) can be the source of germs if not properly cleaned and sanitized. They aren’t intended to come into direct contact with patients or visitors, but how can it be avoided?  Someone coughs, or sneezes, or touches the curtain, and germs spread. Here, it’s important to have curtains laundered regularly in the same way that bed linens are cleaned and maintained.

Cell Phones

Another of the dirtiest places in the hospital actually applies to cell phone users. Hospital staff, general workers, and visitors all use cell phones (as well as public phones) and it’s well known that these are rife with bacteria and germs. In fact, the studies are quite scary when it comes to different types of bacteria found on cell phones. Clearly, this isn’t the direct responsibility of the hospital, but falls entirely on personal health habits.

Keyboards

Today, electronic access to health records allows doctors and nurses to track everything from medications to treatments. And that means using computer keyboards or tablet keypads – both of which are pervasive with germs, bacteria, and microorganisms. Whether it’s the nurse’s station or a treatment area, electronic devices are definitely one of the dirtiest places in the hospital. The solution: keeping everything clean and sanitized.

Making sure to keep hospital spaces and clinics clean

Nothing comes close to professional cleaning and sanitizing in a hospital environment. Whatever the size of the facility, cleaning experts like WeCleanIt can provide customized cleaning solutions to suit. With We Clean It, clients are assured of the highest standard of cleaning and maintenance to address health and safety throughout the facility. Find out more about medical facility cleaning at We Clean It by calling 647-999-6898 or visiting our company website at www.wecleanit.ca