Sani-Check Please!

While waiting for the doctor in the “intake” room I read the familiar signage placed on the wall above the sink. The one you all have seen in public places.

Five Steps for Hand Washing:

1. Wet your hands
2. Apply soap
3. Scrub both the front and back of hands thoroughly and wash the fingers and underneath the nails for 20 seconds.
4. Rinse well
5. Grab a paper towel; use to turn off the faucet and dry your hands.

 Today it occurred to me, who are these instructions for? I would hope that the doctor had this training in school and doesn't need to be reminded. Ironically, next to the hand washing sign is a clear box filled with three sizes of latex gloves with no instructions.

Well, if this note is specifically a reminder for the medical staff, the nurse failed the test. I was escorted to the room and given instructions to wait for the doctor. Finally, the doctor arrived. He reached out to shake my hand and said “hello.” He never washed his hands.

I suppose the next time I go to a doctor’s office I should look out for myself and put on the latex gloves!