Proper Hospital Etiquette

The lack of consideration shown to hospital patients by well meaning visitors never ceases to amaze me. People are in the hospital because they are sick otherwise they wouldn't be there in the first place. Although sick people enjoy having visitors they may not be up for much excitement.

People often take young children to the hospital and let them run wild. Children should be supervised at all times. During my daughter's recent hospital stay I was surprised to see how many children were roaming through the corridors alone with no adults in sight. Apparently some people feel that it is safe for children to run around a hospital without adult supervision. It is not safe. Children could easily fall, get lost, become frightened or even wander outside of the hospital. If children need to go to the restroom or want a snack or drink of water they should be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Proper behavior is necessary in a patient's room also. Sick people don't feel like having children bouncing on their hospital beds or playing with the controls. Of course even people in the hospital want to see their children, grandchildren and other relatives but be sure to use common sense when bringing children to visit. Don't let children touch machines, climb on the bed or otherwise act disruptive. If a young child is behaving in an unruly manner take him or her outside of the room.