A question from the HCD08 Conference.

Why are scrubs worn by staff on their way to work and at lunch?

Isn’t this a major source of transmission?

Actually, many hospitals are transitioning to home-laundered scrubs - which are worn as regular clothing by staff. This practice has not been found to increase infection rates. Staff (and visitors) are provided with ‘cover gowns’ for use in areas that require clothing covering, such as Isolation rooms. These are discarded (disposable) or laundered after each and every wearing - so there is no transmission to other patients or areas.

Here is a link to listen to Dr.Betsy McCaughey, a health policy expert and former Lt.Governor of NY state discussing Infection control and the dangers of hospital scrubs being worn in the community:
http://www.hospitalinfection.org/