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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
The last two times we have gone to the peds office (and saw two different peds in the practice those times) - the ped has walked in and proceeded to examine DS WITHOUT washing his/her hands. The last time I thought it was a fluke but now it has happened twice. I wanted SO badly to say something but, I couldnt' think of a way to say something that wouldn't sound rude - also, I guess the Dr. could have washed his hands after the last patient but, this time I paid attention and he didn't wash his hands after examining DS.
This is REALLY bothering me - there was a room full of sick kids and now I am worried DS is going to get sick from the ped!
How would you handle this?
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Posted 10/10/09 7:51 PM  |
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Goobster
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Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
Hmm....I would be freaked out too. My ped and staff always wash their hands or use sanitizer for sure. Every time.
I usually say....
"ooo, I am so worried about my baby getting sick. Can you make sure your hands are reallly clean, I am SUPER paranoid". I put the blame on me....
Other than that, I can't think of what to say. That is NOT cool. Even if they wash their hands in another room, they are still touching germy objects (doorknob, etc).
Does your ped at least wipe the stethoscope off with alcohol? That is a biggie...my ped always does that and I make sure to say "I LIKE WHEN YOU DO THAT".
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| Posted 10/10/09 7:55 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
Posted by Goobster
Hmm....I would be freaked out too. My ped and staff always wash their hands or use sanitizer for sure. Every time.
I usually say....
"ooo, I am so worried about my baby getting sick. Can you make sure your hands are reallly clean, I am SUPER paranoid". I put the blame on me....
Other than that, I can't think of what to say. That is NOT cool. Even if they wash their hands in another room, they are still touching germy objects (doorknob, etc).
Does your ped at least wipe the stethoscope off with alcohol? That is a biggie...my ped always does that and I make sure to say "I LIKE WHEN YOU DO THAT".
He does wipe off the instruments with alcohol b/f using them.
I like what you said - I am going to do that next time. I am also thinking of sending an anonymous letter.
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| Posted 10/10/09 7:56 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
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:)
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
Posted by itsbabytime
I am also thinking of sending an anonymous letter.
Well....I have to admit,I have done this in a previous drs office....lol. No JOKE.
But I would either a) say what you want to say such as what I say b) send the letter.
Do not do both. Don't implicate yourself!!!
Message edited 10/10/2009 7:58:37 PM.
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| Posted 10/10/09 7:58 PM |
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nbc188
Best friends!
Member since 12/06 23090 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
That is bizarre. Our ped washes his hands when entering AND exiting our room.
Is there any chance that he's got a hand sanitizer station outside the rooms? Maybe he does it after he leaves each room/before he enters the next? Long shot, I know...but I've never met any kind of doctor who didn't wash his/her hands at least once while in my presence. I'd definitely say something!
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| Posted 10/10/09 8:02 PM |
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keepinmyman
LIF Infant
Member since 9/07 212 total posts
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
I don't understand why tend to feel so intimidated by doctors. i am guilty too. I once let that be-otch at pro-kids make me cry. The thing is that you are paying the doctor. he's not doing you a favor. All you have to say is "I'm sorry.....Would you mind washing your hands please?" What's he going to say? No? I doubt it. You are right to be concerned with all the crap going around. I don't think you need to be anonymous. Are you worried they won't treat your child properly if you call them on that? If that is the case, then it may be time to start looking for another doctor. One that practices peoper hygiene & doesn't make you feel like you can't speak up. My FIL is an MD & he always says you should feel comfortable telling your dr anything & they should never be condescending. Good luck & speak up. It's YOUR kid after all not his!
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| Posted 10/10/09 8:08 PM |
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BaroqueMama
Chase is one!
Member since 5/05 27530 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
Is it possible that they wash their hands somewhere outside the exam rooms? That would be my first guess.
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| Posted 10/10/09 8:16 PM |
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Alex110879
craziness
Member since 8/06 3762 total posts
Name:
Alexandria
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
it may be possible that he is washing outside the room.. i know the hospital i worked in had the sanitizers outside the room so everyone always thought we werent washing our hands
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| Posted 10/10/09 8:25 PM |
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ME75
Member since 10/06 4563 total posts
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
you know...i just read an article in good housekeeping about something like this and i think (after reading it) that you can very nicely or politely mention it. to heck with it right? it's your kid-you are their only advocate and protector so why not? the article said how parents have every right to ask that dr. wash their hands before examining. that you shouldn't be afraid to question dr.'s when it comes to your kid. i think how you do it is important-as long you are nice and respectful.
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| Posted 10/10/09 8:52 PM |
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Goobster
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Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
Posted by Alex110879
it may be possible that he is washing outside the room.. i know the hospital i worked in had the sanitizers outside the room so everyone always thought we werent washing our hands
But touching doorknobs to enter the room is a vehicle for bacterial or viral particles to get back onto the hands....
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| Posted 10/10/09 9:29 PM |
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Alli06
Baby #3 coming this June
Member since 8/05 6721 total posts
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A
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Alex110879
it may be possible that he is washing outside the room.. i know the hospital i worked in had the sanitizers outside the room so everyone always thought we werent washing our hands
But touching doorknobs to enter the room is a vehicle for bacterial or viral particles to get back onto the hands....
This what I was going to say. They should be washing their hands in the room with you. My Ped always washes her hands in the room with us.
I would have a problem speaking up as well.
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| Posted 10/10/09 9:39 PM |
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MrsGmomof3
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Member since 6/08 3290 total posts
Name:
Irrelevant
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Re: How to handle a ped that doesn't wash his/her hands...
I would ask him to please wash his hands before touching my child. And if he told me that he already did, I would tell him to do it again please.
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| Posted 10/10/09 10:33 PM |
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