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SIMPLE STEPS TO A SAFE HOSPITAL STAY

Patient safety is our first priority at Providence Health Care. Please take a few minutes to review these simple tips that will help make your hospital stay a safe and positive experience. At Providence Health Care, we are committed to giving our patients the best possible care. Patients who are more involved in their own care do better and stay safer. Here is how you can work with us to make your stay a safe and positive experience.

HAND WASHING TO PREVENT INFECTION

It is very important that you wash your hands often and very well. Wash your hands before you eat or before putting anything in your mouth. Ask family and friends to wash their hands before and after they visit you. Remind all doctors, nurses and other hospital staff – in a polite and respectful way – to wash their hands before caring for you. This is very important in order to prevent the spread of infection.

WEAR YOUR IDENTIFICATION (ID) BRACELET

Wear your identification (ID) bracelet. Make sure the information is correct. Expect that people will ask to see your ID bracelet or ask you to identify yourself before doing any procedures. Talk to your Health Care Providers Speak up if you have questions or concerns. Ask us about your treatment or procedure. Review consents for treatment before you sign them and make sure you understand exactly what you are agreeing to. Tell us about any changes in your health or condition. Write down questions to ask if you need more information or do not understand. If you like, get a family member or friend to ask the questions for you. Write the answers down. Ask for an interpreter if you are hearing impaired or if English is not your first language.

MEDICATION SAFETY

The medicines we give you in hospital may look different from what you take at home. If you have any questions about your medicines, ask us or ask to speak with a pharmacist. Make sure you tell us about all medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies and medications you buy without a prescription or on the Internet. Tell us of any allergies or reactions you may have. Know the side effects of your medicines and what to do if these occur. If you think you've missed getting your medicines, ask the nurse. Do not take medicines that you brought into the hospital from home unless we tell you to.

PREVENTING SLIPS AND FALLS

Wear slippers with rubber soles to prevent slipping. Most falls occur when patients try to get out of bed on their own to go to the bathroom. Ask for help when getting out of bed, especially at night. If you are allowed to get out of bed and walk on your own, make sure there is enough light. If you are told to only get up with help, wait until someone can help you. A physiotherapist can help you if you need a walking aid like a wheelchair, walker, cane or crutches. Let your nurse know if you are having trouble walking with equipment such as intravenous (IV) poles. When you are in bed, make sure you can easily reach your call button, phone, eyeglasses or anything else you might need. If things are out of your reach, ask someone to move them for you. Ask your nurse to make sure that your bed is at the lowest position.

UNDERSTAND YOUR INSTRUCTIONS FOR GOING HOME

When you are getting ready to leave the hospital, be sure to ask about your care at home, and make sure you understand what to do. Ask for any instructions about how to care for yourself after you leave the hospital in writing. Find out about any follow-up visits with your doctor or other caregiver. Make sure you can read any new prescriptions and can understand the medicine label. Learn about the side effects.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Providence Health Care Patient Safety
Tel: 606 682-2344 Local 66018
Email: patientsafety@providencehealth.bc.ca

Click here to download and print our online Patient Safety brochure.