For Patients

Hospital-Acquired Infection Versus Community-Acquired Infection

A community-acquired infection is an infection contracted outside of a health care setting or an infection present on admission. Hospital-acquired infections (HAI), also known as healthcare–associated infections, are infections that do not originate from a patient's original admitting diagnosis or are not present on admission. Most infections that become clinically evident after 48 hours of hospitalization are considered hospital-acquired.

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MRSA Screening Program

Hoag actively enforces a strict screening program to prevent the spread of contagious infections. Patients are screened for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on admission to the hospital if they meet specific criteria that puts them in a high-risk category. These categories include adult inpatient medical and surgical patients, and infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

The test is done with a small sterile swab, similar to a Q-tip. A swab is taken in the inside of the nose.

For more information, download the patient information sheet.

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Why are Patients Put in Isolation?

Hoag takes every precaution possible to protect and promote the health of patients, visitors and staff. In the hospital, people who are or may be infected or colonized with an infectious disease are placed in isolation to prevent the spread of the infection to other patients. Patient safety is our first priority and additional precautions are taken to ensure attentive care to the patient, while preventing any potential exposure to others. Visitors and health care workers caring for people in isolation may be required to wear protective garments, gloves and/or masks and must follow strict hand-washing procedures.

• A sign will be placed on the outside of the hospital door to alert hospital staff and visitors of the required precautions to take
• Hospital staff will wear protective gear, such as gloves, gowns and masks when entering the room to provide care
• Before entering the room, visitors should see the nursing staff for direction on what to do
• If gowns and gloves are worn in a patient’s room, they must be removed before leaving the room. All visitors must wash their hands before leaving the room.
• Masks should be removed per the directions on the isolation sign. All visitors must wash their hands after removing the mask.

• Ask your surgeon if you should shower daily with special soap for several days before surgery to decrease your risk of infection.
• Ask your surgeon to have you tested for MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) at least one week before you come to the hospital.
• Stop smoking as far in advance of your surgery as possible.
• Ask your doctor about keeping you warm during your surgery. This helps reduce post operative complications.
• Do not shave the surgical site.

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Prevent the Spread of Germs

• Wash hands for at least 15 seconds while scrubbing briskly with soap and warm water. Remind your visitors to do the same.
• Remind staff to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before examining you or giving you medication. Each patient room is equipped with sinks for hand washing and alcohol hand sanitizer dispensers.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash. Always keep enough disposable tissue near by. Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, immediately after coughing or sneezing.
• Practice good personal hygiene and let your nurse know if your gown or linens are soiled.
• Ask friends and relatives who have colds, respiratory symptoms or other contagious illnesses not to visit you or anyone in the hospital.
• Get vaccinated if it is recommended. Flu and pneumonia vaccines can help prevent illnesses, particularly in young, elderly and high-risk patients.

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