Safety Tips

Patient Safety

Our goal is to provide the safest possible care for all of our patients. Our doctors or a member of the health care team will talk with you about care for you or your child. We encourage you to partner with us and be involved.
How can I be involved in my own care or my child’s care?
There are many ways to be involved in care and play a role in safety. We hope you’ll do the following:

• Please speak up. Talk to a staff member when you have questions or concerns.
• Be involved in discussing and making decisions about your or your child’s care.
• Know lab tests results for you or your child. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor.

How can I help to prevent infection?

The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands often and well. All of us carry germs. To prevent these germs from harming you or your child:

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use the alcohol hand sanitizer.
• Wash your child’s hands as well.

Always clean your hands at these times:

• Upon entering and before leaving your hospital room or exam room
• Before and after eating, touching food or feeding your child or newborn
• After using the bathroom or changing a diaper
• After sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose and after wiping your child’s nose

How can I help ensure medication safety?

You can help ensure safety with medicines for you and your child by using these tips:

• Tell the doctor and nurses about any allergies or drug reactions that you or your child have had in the past.
• Keep a complete and current list of the medicines you or your child is taking. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements. Share this list with each of your doctors at every visit.
• Know the name of each of your or your child’s medicines, what it is used for, when and how it should be taken, and any side effects. Also know what medicines, foods or drinks to avoid when taking the medicine.

Always check with the nurse or doctor first before giving your child any medicines. When you are ready to take your child home, make sure you receive an updated list of medicines. Know what medicines are new and what medicines your child will continue to take.

Whom should I speak to if I have concerns about my care or my child’s care?

If you have a concern or question, please ask our staff. We are always available to answer your questions, discuss the condition or care plan, and explain things in a way that makes it easy to understand. If you have any concerns about the quality or safety of care for you or your child, please speak with the nurse or doctor. If needed, you may also talk with the manager for that area, the nursing supervisor or an Office of Patient Experience representative.

Resources

National Patient Safety Foundation
The Leapfrog Group
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality