In an attempt to fight dirty hands syndrome, many hospitals have launched campaigns encouraging patients to take an active role in improving hospital safety, but many patients aren’t comfortable asking doctors if they washed their hands. Patients are worried about insulting their doctors . It's not the question but how you ask it. You've heard the expression, " Were you raised in a barn?" Well, some people are rude and disrespectful, period. Be it the staff or the patient. Many staff members and patients (I'm an RN) are respectful and polite and therefore rarely have difficulty communicating with each other. Those who are rude, sloppy and disrespectful treat everyone around them that way and will have no regard for a patients' or staff members concerns or well being. Maybe your mama never told you but, it makes no difference if you're speaking to the doctor, nurse or Chinese food delivery boy. Be polite and respectful. There is also something else at play here. Everyone assumes that hospital employees are altruistic and of higher moral fiber. Some yes, some no. 
There are 4 types of hospital workers.
1- Experienced and skilled Human. They anticipate a patient's concerns (since whether you like it or not, you're not as unique as you'd like) and they make preparations to alleviate those concerns. Wash in front of the patient, explain procedures as you go, answer questions in a nonjudgmental way. 2- Experienced and skilled Robot. They are on automatic pilot. They have a job to do. They plan on getting it done as efficiently (for them not you) and with as little interaction as possible. They are super organized and know what's expected of them but don't care about the theory behind the rules. For example, they may wear 3 pairs of gloves at once in order to just peel a layer off in between patients. If you enjoy watching someone squirm, throw a monkey wrench into their day and ask these robots a question while they're working! 3- Angry, Hostile BookSmart. Intelligent and chock full of information but condescending, arrogant and narcissistic. This person is a live encyclopedia. They can't have a conversation, they only lecture. Sit there be quiet, nod your head and pretend you understand. They did not go into medicine to "help people." They did it for the prestige and the money (ha, the jokes on them there). You won't catch anything from these people because they have no intention of touching you. 4-The Inexperienced. Very easy to spot. All clean and pressed. Wide, shell-shocked expression. Very polite and eager to help but can never actually do anything. "Every conversation ends with, "Let me find out for you." In time, they merge into one of the other 3 categories. | 
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Hi! Looking at the numbers above, I might be all of the above but I do my best. Love those X-large gloves! My pet hate is public toilets. God only knows what's growing in them. If only I had those X-large gloves before I went in!
Hi Peter,
I've been to your blog and I think you're anything but inexperienced.
Everyone is always harping on the "wash after" but if you really think about it everyone should WASH BEFORE too.