Bone Marrow Transplant Unit Guidelines

Most patients admitted to the UMMC bone marrow transplant unit have immune systems that will not work at some point during their stay. This means their bodies have no way to fight even the smallest infection. Healthy people do not have a problem fighting germs, but patients on this unit can develop serious, even life-threatening infections from common everyday germs.

Visitation guidelines

• The unit maintains a strict visitation policy, including limiting the number of people going in and out of a patient's room. The more visitors from outside the hospital, the greater the risk of spreading germs in the patient's room and on the unit.
• Learn more about visiting hours.

Infection control

• Always wash your hands or use disinfectant foam before and after entering a patient's room or the kitchen area. Patients are encouraged to ask everyone involved if they have washed their hands, including nurses, doctors, dietitians, etc.
• Patients who are in isolation are not allowed in the kitchen or family room, but the caregiver can enter these areas if a gown, gloves and shoe covers are worn. Ask a nurse for more information.
• Always wash your hands after you leave a patient's room.