ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the conversation, through an infection prevention and control lens. It explores the myths and rituals in modern healthcare that are carried out in the name of infection prevention and control, alongside practices that have become accepted as the norm. The chapter focuses on aspects of infection prevention and control that may have unintended consequences and which could be described as perpetuating injustice for patients. It shows that a number of practices appear to have lost sight of the person beneath the patient, and some of them have undoubtedly lost sight of the dynamics of spread of microbes at the bedside that can lead to patient harm. Additionally, infection prevention practitioners need to lead by standing up and denouncing anything that contributes minimally to patient safety and emerge as the credible, respected champions of logic, patient-centred care and safety.
