Patient Safety

Your safety comes first! Our goal is to make your hospital stay as comfortable, pleasant and safe as possible, because we know that being in a hospital can be a stressful experience both for patients and their loved ones. To help us protect your health and safety, here are some helpful tips:

Allergies
Let your doctor and hospital staff members know if you are allergic or sensitive to any food, medication, or latex products.

Identification While in the Hospital
Wear your hospital identification band at all times. If you lose or remove your band, tell the nursing staff, so we can get you another one. Your identification band contains a bar code which we scan each time you are given any medications, to make sure we are giving you the right medication at the right time in the right dosage by the right route (for example, oral or IV).

“Time Out” – Question from Staff
Expect some questions from our clinical staff. We will frequently ask your name and date of birth whenever treatments or medications are given to you. We call this a “time out,” and it is for your safety. If you are having an operation, we may ask what procedure you are having and what part of your body is involved. We may also mark the area of surgery on your body.

Communication
Remember, communication helps to ensure your safety. If you don’t understand the purpose or reason behind a test or treatment, be sure to ask. You have a right to this information. Our staff is here to keep you informed.

  • Choose a doctor that you’re comfortable talking with about your health and treatment. Ask questions of your doctor, nurse and other caregivers.
  • Involve family members or friends in your care. They can help you ask questions and understand care instructions, particularly if there are times when you may not be able to do this for yourself.
  • While you are in the hospital, talk to your doctor, nurses, case managers, and other care providers about the daily goals for your care. Our case managers will work with your doctor to help you understand your treatment plan for when you leave the hospital.

Medication Safety
You should understand what medications to take and how to take them, in order to avoid errors that might lead to problems with your health.

  • Keep your medication list up-to-date and carry it in your wallet or purse. Also carry a list of your allergies to medications, foods, or latex products.
  • When visiting your doctor or coming to the hospital for care, bring your list of all medications you are currently taking including prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and home remedies.
  • Each time a medication is given to you, ask for the name of the medication and why it is being given. We will be happy to give you written information on each drug you are given to help you better understand your medication treatment plan.
  • Before you are discharged from the hospital, we will give you a list of all medications you are to take at home. We will make sure you know the names of the medications, what they are prescribed for, how much and how often to take your medications, what to expect from taking the drugs such as results or side effects, and any special instructions you may need regarding your medications.

Preventing Falls
Most falls in the hospital occur when patients try to get out of bed by themselves. Unexpected weakness, dizziness, medical equipment and unfamiliar surroundings are all risk factors for falling while in the hospital.

  • Have your nurse review any safety precautions in your treatment plan with you and your family members. For example, you may be asked not to get out of bed without someone assisting you.
  • A nurse call light has been provided at your bedside so that you may call for assistance. Do not hesitate to use it. If you need to get out of bed, please call us first, so that we can help you.
  • We may put up side rails on the bed or use special alarms or equipment to help remind you to call us before getting up.

Privacy
Throughout your hospital stay, we will do our best to maintain your personal privacy and the security of your health information. We will disclose your physical condition only to those whom you have designated to receive this information. Our EMR system provides secure yet wide accessibility, efficiency, and improved communications.