There’s one important question most of us are afraid to ask our doctor. We’ll ask it anyway...

“Have you washed your hands?” 

That is the first question we should be asking our doctors and nurses – and most of us are afraid to. A recent study found that far too many patients say they’d be embarrassed to remind their doctor to wash their hands. Don’t be shy, go ahead and speak up – it could save a life.

Physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers may even appreciate the reminder. The healthcare industry has raised the bar internally where good hand hygiene is concerned. Medical workers are encouraged to remind each other - and it’s working. Since the launch of a national Clean Your Hands campaign in 2004, the amount of soap and alcoholic hand rub bought by NHS trusts has almost tripled. It’s reported that thousands of deaths and infections have been prevented, thanks to the new hand-washing standards – and plenty of reminders.