Hospitals Ban Visitors From Sitting On Beds and Bringing Flowers 9
Dr. Iona Heath has criticized rules that prevent doctors or visitors from sitting on patients' beds, calling them "demeaning" and "joyless." Some hospitals have also banned flowers in an attempt to reduce MRSA infections. The UK Department of Health says such rules are determined by individual hospitals, but thinks such policies are good. Dr. Heath says that there is, "no hard evidence for either of these demeaning prohibitions. Doctors should never be discouraged from sitting, because patients consistently estimate that they have been given more time when the doctor sits down rather than stands. Such interactions are precious and should be made easier rather than more difficult."
I am agreed with Dr. Heath (Score:2, Insightful)
A doctor's bedside manner is an important part of patient recovery. Familiarity, in this instance at least, builds trust and confidence, not contempt, and a patient's confidence in their doctor has a lot to do with whether or not they get well, as well as the speed of any recovery.
The above more than balances out the risk of infection.