Hospital infection prevention and control (IPC) is sometimes seen as mundane and overly strict by doctors. However, the ongoing presence of avoidable healthcare-associated infections, rising levels of antimicrobial resistance (for which hospitals play a significant role), and occasional but potentially catastrophic outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases in hospitals indicate that IPC should be treated with utmost seriousness. Healthcare personnel frequently do not adhere to good infection prevention and control (IPC) methods, and there is substantial data indicating that doctors, in general, exhibit less consistent compliance compared to nurses. The presence of IPC practice violations carries substantial, albeit frequently concealed, repercussions. This underscores the necessity for ongoing enhancement through the implementation of novel approaches, such as improved surveillance to detect and notify physicians about the actual impact of healthcare-associated infections. Additionally, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to engage in introspection regarding the misleading dichotomy between clinical autonomy and prioritizing patient well-being by adhering to regulations established for their protection. Furthermore, it is imperative to evaluate the ramifications of recent shifts in healthcare delivery, such as the proliferation of multiple, part-time consultant contracts, which may undermine the culture and standing of public hospitals.