We work very hard to make sure the hospital is free from infectious diseases and that we limit the spread of any potential infectious diseases. To do this, patients, family and visitors have a role to play and there are several things you can do to help.

Keep your distance

If you are planning a visit to KHSC and you are experiencing symptoms of infection such as a new or worse cough, a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, it is best to postpone your visit until you are symptom free for 48 hours.

If you are a patient, or are seeking care at KHSC and you are experiencing symptoms of infection such as a new or worse cough, a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, you should clean your hands with alcohol-based hand-sanitizer, cover your mouth with a mask and immediately speak to a member of our care team. Also, to help limit the spread of infection, please limit your contact with our patients or visitors and avoid common areas of the hospital or other patient rooms.

Clean your hands

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection is to clean your hands. You will notice alcohol-based hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout the hospital and we encourage you to use them frequently. You can also wash frequently with soap and hot water. It is especially important to clean your hands:

  • Before entering a patient room and immediately after leaving a patient room.
  • Before eating or drinking anything.
  • Before and after using the toilet or a bedpan.
  • Before and after touching any hospital equipment.
  • Before and after blowing our nose, sneezing, coughing or touching any other part of your face.
  • Before and after any physical contact with a patient.
  • Upon entrance to and exit from the hospital.

We also encourage you to ask other visitors as well as any member of the care team to clean their hands before and after they enter a patient room, even if they don’t make physical contact with you or a patient.

Wear protective equipment

Sometimes you may see a sign posted outside of a patient’s room indicating that extra infection, prevention and control precautions are being taken with that patient. This is done to help prevent the spread of infection throughout the hospital. If you see one of these signs be sure to ask a member of the care team to help you put on the proper protective equipment before you enter the room. This may include gloves, a gown, a mask and eye protection. You will also need to remove these items and clean your hands when you leave the room.