Keeping your child safe

Clean hands are the most important factor in preventing the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance in health care settings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To highlight the importance of hand-washing, Children's Memorial runs an internal hand hygiene campaign, "Wash Well. Wash Often." for all employees.

Families play a vital role on their child's healthcare team. As a parent or guardian, please:

Don’t be afraid to ask or tell us anything.

Our job is to make sure you feel good about your child’s care. We want to work with you to heal your child. We also want you to know what is going on at all times.

That’s why we ask you to:

Speak up and feel free to share everything you feel is important about:

• Your child’s symptoms
• Your child’s medications
• Your child’s allergies (food or medicine)
• Your child’s medical history
• Anything you feel is important

Ask us anything you want about... 

• Your child’s medicines
• Your child’s caregivers
• Your child’s medical equipment
• Anything that doesn’t feel right

Do things to keep your child safe, like...

• Wash your hands, and tell us if you see a caregiver not washing his or her hands 
• Practice simple hygiene to prevent spreading germs. This includes covering your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, then promptly throwing that tissue in the trash, as well as not touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Follow all signs for infection control posted outside your child's hospital room
• Know that you can speak to your doctor at any time
• Make sure your child has an ID band
• Give us a list of your child’s medications
• Put up crib rails and side rails
• Ask a nurse before giving your child food or taking your child out of the room
• Ask your doctors, nurses and other staff for their names and what they’re doing
• Report any problems
• After you go home, call us if you have any questions

Learn more about patient rights and responsibilities.

Content last reviewed: January 2010