Patient Safety
Be Educated
-
Learn everything you can about your illness.
-
Be sure you understand the treatment and care you will be receiving.
-
If you are not able to take part in your care, then ask a relative or friend to assist by asking questions.
Keep Notes
-
Keep notes on your medical history, including any medical conditions, illnesses, past hospital visits, medications and any allergies you may have.
Participate In Your Care
-
Adhere to the treatment plan for which you have agreed with your physician and healthcare team
-
If you have any safety concerns, discuss these with your healthcare team.
-
If something does not feel right with your treatment of medications, inform your physician, nurse or other member of your healthcare team.
-
If you feel hopeless, helpless or have lost interest in activities you used to enjoy, please let your physician or nurse know.
Medications From Home
-
Your physician will decide which medications you should continue while hospitalized and the pharmacy will supply you with all your medication needs.
-
All medications brought from home into the hospital should be sent home with a relative or friend.
Medication Instructions
-
Ensure you know which medications you are taking and why you are taking them.
-
Always ensure that your nurse or other healthcare team member checks your armband and asks your name prior to administering any medications.
-
You should know when you are supposed to receive medications. If you do not receive your medication then make sure your nurse or physician is called.
-
Staff administering your medication should identify your name and birth date. This goes for any procedure performed, too.
Infection Prevention
-
Always wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet, coughing, or sneezing.
-
We encourage you to use alcohol gel dispensers that are located just inside the door of each patient room and around the hospital.
-
Remind physicians, your healthcare team, and family members to wash their hands or use alcohol hand gel before entering or leaving your area.
-
Please be aware of any signs on patient room doors that list special precautions for entering the room.
-
If you are not sure what special precautions to take when visiting a patient, please check with a nurse to find out what is needed.
-
For the safety and protection of patients and hospital staff, we observe standard precautions with all bodily fluids.
Be Informed About Your Surgery
-
Make sure you know who is performing your surgery. Ask them what they will be doing, and how they expect you will feel afterwards.
-
If you have any questions about your care, ask your surgeon.
Understand Discharge Instructions
-
You should ensure that you receive and follow both verbal and written discharge instructions.
-
If you do not understand, ask questions.
OakBend Medical Center © 2024 All rights reserved