April 25, 2005
AH YES, GERMS...IT SPREADS GERMS
Good Book too good at spreading germs, hospital feels (Canadian Press, April 22nd, 2005)
A hospital in Fredericton has removed bedside Bibles out of fears they might be spreading germs.Posted by Peter Burnet at April 25, 2005 9:30 AMA spokeswoman for the River Valley Health Authority, Jane Stafford, told the CBC that the decision to remove the Bibles from the Chalmers Hospital was made strictly for health reasons.
She said it was a matter of common sense and infection control.
Some bugs viruses such as C. difficile, can live for months on telephones, toilets, stethoscopes and books, Ms. Stafford said.Some people, however, were suspicious of the hospital's motives.
No word on the schedule for removing the toilets.
I hear nurses can transmit germs too, might as well do without them. This is socialized medicine, after all.
Posted by: pj at April 25, 2005 10:09 AMWell, at the end of "Mere Christianity", C.S. Lewis wrote about the 'good' infection. That is probably more frightening than any bug.
And in "That Hideous Strength", he also wrote about the clean, well-manicured hands in sterile offices that do the greatest evil in the modern world.
Posted by: jim hamlen at April 25, 2005 11:47 AM"Suspicious"? I'd say contemptable!
Posted by: Dave W. at April 26, 2005 1:21 AM"Furthermore, we will no longer allow patients to post cards and pictures in their rooms. Flowers will also not be allowed and all food must be inspected by the Infectious Disease Coordinator before being delivered to a patient."
Posted by: Dave W. at April 26, 2005 1:25 AM"Oh, and NO balloons, either."
Posted by: Dave W. at April 26, 2005 1:27 AMI'd say the patients, themselves, are the biggest spreader of germs. They should be the first to go.
Posted by: Randall Voth at April 26, 2005 7:39 AMThe patients can stay, but no visitors, and minimul contact w/staff.
Posted by: Dave W. at April 26, 2005 10:12 PM