We are committed to keeping our patients safe. We have built a strong “culture of safety” to reduce medical errors and provide the most safe, reliable and effective care for each patient.
As the patient, you can also take an active role in your safety while in our care. Here are some ways how:
As the patient, you can also take an active role in your safety while in our care. Here are some ways how:
Ask about your medicines, tests, and treatments. Be sure you understand the answers. Share any concerns you have. Be an active member of your healthcare team.
Keep a list with you of all medicines you take, and even include those you buy without a prescription. Don’t forget eye drops, skin patches, vitamins and herbal supplements. Also keep a list of medicines, foods or substances you are allergic to, and what happens when you take them. Bring this information to all hospital and doctor visits.
Clean hands prevent infection. Remind caregivers to clean their hands before they care for you. Please ask friends, family and visitors to clean their hands. We provide hand sanitizer for every room and in many other areas throughout the hospital.
Expect caregivers to introduce themselves and to wear identification badges. Ask if you do not see a badge. You will be asked to state your name and date of birth before receiving care to be sure that you are the right patient for the care being provided.
While you are in the hospital, if you or your family are concerned about your medical needs not being met, please tell the nurse or contact our patient advocates.
When you are discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor or nurse to explain the treatment plan you will use at home. This includes learning about your medicines and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities. Research shows that at discharge time, doctors think their patients understand more than they really do about what they should or should not do when they return home. When you're ready to go home, have the doctor or nurse write the purpose for the medication on the prescription. Many drug names look alike when written poorly. Knowing the purpose helps you and the pharmacist double check the prescription.
Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate. You may need someone who can help get things done and speak up for you if you can't. Even if you think you don't need help now, you might need it later.