Dr Richardson’s editorial on the C. difficile outbreak at Burnaby General Hospital [Speaking out for patients, BCMJ 2012;54:165] [9] was a powerful reminder of the risks for patients who acquire nosocomial infections in our facilities. It is important that physicians speak out about safety concerns and ensure that corrective action can be taken.

However, actions speak louder than words, as the saying goes. All physicians need to contribute to keeping our patients safe by strict attention to hand hygiene. Sadly the hand hygiene rates for Burnaby General physicians was 37.8% for the last fiscal year, a similar rate for many sites in Fraser Health. 

As we raise the awareness about C. difficile in our hospitals, physicians have to lead the change for better in­fection control practices by dramatically improving our hand hygiene rates.

We must acknowledge our own role in the spread of these infections and act accordingly.
—Anne Clarke, MD
Medical Director
Emergency Program, FHA