Visiting a Burned Patient In The Hospital

Burned patients need all the support they can get from family, relatives and friends. A burn injury is one of the most painful traumas a patient can ever experience.

One of the major concerns and challenges a burned patient faces is infection, (see wound infection). Burn centers have strict guidelines regarding infection control, depending on the patient’s condition. When visiting a patient with burns, you should know the visiting hours and the number of visitors allowed which may be limited depending on the patient’s condition.

Visitors may be required to wear a gown, mask, cap and gloves when visiting the patient. The nurse will give you instructions on the protective clothing to decrease the risk of infection. Look for any signs outside the patient’s door that will tell you if you have to wear these protective garments when entering the patient’s room. It’s important to follow these instructions. You have to wash your hands prior to entering and after leaving the patient. Avoid visiting the patient if you have an active cold or an infection and inform the nurse about it if you do visit.

For children to see the patient, permission may be required from the nurse. They may also have to wear the protective garments as well. It’s important to keep a quiet atmosphere while visiting the patient. It is also important to know the resting period of the patient, the treatment periods and burn team round periods to avoid as you may be asked to leave the burn unit during these times.

Although it’s hard to see your loved one suffering, it’s important to keep a positive attitude in front of the patient encouraging him/her and raising the patient’s spirit.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.