According to research, one in 20 patients becomes infected at hospitals in the country. As patients check into medical centers with personal ailments, they leave with something more. These hospital-based infections are hard to treat, too.

The good news is that hospitals are trying to reduce the transmission of infections. Specifically, centers are using UV lights or hydrogen peroxide vapors to help prevent infections. Nevertheless, such efforts may not be enough, and this is major medical issue.

Moreover, the issue is very serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly 100,000 deaths each year are linked to hospital-based infections. Much of the focus has been on an intestinal bug called Clostridium difficile (C-diff), which accounts for 14,000 deaths each year. This bug, which causes severe diarrhea, is treatable; yet, it is very difficult to eliminate in the medical environment.

When hospital staff is reckless in keeping health care facilities sterile and clean, this could compromise the safety of patients. Health care professionals have a duty to exercise due care within treatment. Moreover, such providers are held to a high standard, as they deal with the health of individuals. No one wants to leave a care faculty with more ailments or issues than when he or she arrived.

While it may take some time for hospitals to tighten illness prevention policies, in time, they will need to find a way to protect patients.

If you believe that you have been harmed due to the negligence or inattentiveness of a health care provider, you may benefit from speaking to a qualified medical malpractice attorney in your area.

Source: USA Today, "Hospitals see surge of superbug-fighting products," April 29, 2013