In every hospital, many different kinds of linens are used for sleeping, covering and bathing. It is important that hospital linens be clean because linens that are not washed, changed and replaced frequently create a risk of infection for the patient.
Discouraging the Risk of Infection
Bedridden patients are dependent on the hospital staff to change the sheets for them. Sweat, body fluids from perineal areas, urine and feces from incontinent patients accumulate on the bed linens while the patient is lying in bed, being given a bed bath or being given catheter care. These bodily substances pose a health hazard and risk of infection to other patients and staff from the bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms growing in them.
Bedbugs Shouldn't Bite
Bedbugs are not an imaginary fairytale, but real insect pests that can live in hospital beds. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out and to our body heat. They feed on our blood when they bite, insert blood thinners into our blood and can spread diseases like anemia or hepatitis. The raised bumps cause itching, inflammation and allergic reactions such as nausea and illness. Laundering the linens in high temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius kills the eggs and adult bedbugs after half an hour.
Losing Your Glasses
Changing the bed linen allows the caregiver to observe any dangerous objects that were left behind from a procedure, from a visitor or from a forgetful patient. Sometimes insulin needles, diabetic pens, EKG stickers, toys, soiled bandages, glasses, hearing aids or dentures get lost between the sheets. They must be found before the linens make the trip to the washer and dryer room.
Encouraging Patient Movement
In addition to changing the bed linens to keep them clean, changing them daily encourages patients to either move in the bed or change position (with help from an assistant) within the bed, which promotes healthy blood circulation and musculoskeletal movement.
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
In encouraging the patient to move, change position and/or ambulate, you are discouraging the development of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are sores that develop at the site of tissue rubbing against bony tissue or tissue rubbing against an object for a long period of time. Pressure ulcers are a common culprit of infections in hospitals.
Sterilizing Linens
Hospital linens that are soiled with infectious body fluids and/or blood can be sterilized when washed in water of 22 to 50 degrees Celsius and bleach for about half an hour. A temperature of 49 degrees Celsius destroys infectious microorganisms as well. Using an autoclave (sterilizing machine) is a optimal technique for decontaminating linen. These measures should be part of a regime to fight hospital-acquired infections.
The Best Reasons Why
As you can see, changing bed linens in a hospital or health care facility is necessary and advantageous. It allows the hospital staff and patients to promote cleanliness and prevents unnecessary infections, sores, injuries and losing expensive hard-to-replace items.
Tags: degrees Celsius, being given, body fluids, change position, changing linens, half hour, hospital staff