As healthcare facilities continually seek ways to safeguard patients and staff, even commonplace interactions are coming under scrutiny. One hospital in the Netherlands is now prioritizing patient well-being by replacing handshakes with smiles as a standard greeting, a move reflecting increased awareness of infection control protocols [[1]] and the ease with which illnesses can spread. The Flevoziekenhuis‘s decision underscores the importance of proactive measures to reduce healthcare-associated infections, a challenge the World Health Organization identifies as a critical global health concern [[3]].
Hospital Ditches Handshakes, Opts for Smiles to Welcome Patients
A hospital in the Netherlands has stopped offering handshakes as a greeting to patients, replacing the traditional gesture with a smile. The Flevoziekenhuis hospital implemented the change to help prevent the spread of illness, particularly during cold and flu season. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the role simple gestures can play in transmitting infections within healthcare settings.
Hospital officials stated that patients are now “welcomed with a smile” instead of a handshake. This decision aims to minimize the transmission of viruses and bacteria, protecting both patients and staff. “Patients are welcomed with a smile,” a hospital spokesperson said.
The move comes as healthcare facilities worldwide continue to seek ways to reduce healthcare-associated infections. Simple measures like hand hygiene and minimizing physical contact can significantly impact infection rates, especially for vulnerable patient populations. The Flevoziekenhuis’s approach highlights a proactive strategy to enhance patient safety and maintain a healthy environment.
The hospital did not specify a start date for the new policy, but confirmed it is currently in effect. This change underscores the ongoing need for innovative approaches to infection control in healthcare facilities.
This practice is not new, and other hospitals have considered or implemented similar policies in the past, particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases like influenza or COVID-19. The Flevoziekenhuis’s decision demonstrates a sustained commitment to infection prevention beyond pandemic-level responses.
The hospital’s decision to prioritize patient and staff health through a simple change in greeting could serve as a model for other healthcare institutions looking to minimize the spread of illness.
