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🇫🇮 Finland /Health & Science

Rules: HUS bans bringing cut flowers to patients

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • HUS, the hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa, has banned cut flowers and other live plants from being brought to patients in its hospitals.
  • The decision aims to reduce infection risks associated with soil and water in plants, as well as improve indoor air quality.
  • While previously implemented in some Meilahti area hospitals, the ban now extends to all HUS hospitals.

The Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS) has implemented a ban on cut flowers and other live plants for patients across all its facilities. This new regulation aims to enhance patient safety and well-being within the hospital environment.

HUS cites infection risks as the primary reason for the ban, explaining that the soil and water in plants can harbor and spread pathogens. Additionally, the presence of plants can negatively impact indoor air quality, potentially affecting vulnerable patients. The policy applies to all areas where patients receive care.

Previously, a flower ban was in effect only in certain hospitals within the Meilahti area. However, the decision has now been expanded to encompass all HUS hospitals, creating a uniform policy throughout the district. Hospital officials encourage visitors to express their well wishes through other means or to give flowers to patients after their discharge.

If you want to delight your loved one with flowers, we encourage you to give them to them after they are discharged.

· Katariina KainulainenHead physician at HUS's infection epidemiology unit, explaining the new policy.
About this summary

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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