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Safety
EMHS is committed to safety for our patients, visitors and employees. Working together we can make your hospital stay as safe as possible.
Help make your stay safe:
- Wear your facility ID bracelet at all times. If it comes off request a new one from your nurse or technician.
- Make sure the information on your ID bracelet is accurate.
- All staff members should check your ID bracelet before any medication is given or procedure, surgery or test is performed.
- Ask questions if you do not understand, it is your right to know. If you think of questions when your nurse, doctor or technician is not around, write it down and ask them later.
- If you are deaf or hearing impaired, or if English is not your primary language ask your provider to arrange for an interpreter.
Medication
- Do not take medication you have brought with you to the hospital from home.
- Let the staff know if you are allergic to any foods, drugs or latex.
- Ask your nurse about your medications: what they are, what they do, when they are taken, any side effects.
- Make sure the staff checks your ID bracelet before giving you medications.
- Look at the medications before you take them. If you do not recognize the medication, let the nurse know.
Participate in Your Care – You and your health team can work together.
- The information may be confusing, ask a family member or friend to listen with you when a diagnosis, treatment plan, test results or discharge plans are explained. Write down notes if you need to.
- When possible designate a family member or friend to interact with your health care team. They can then pass information to other family and friends. Let your nurse and doctor know who you have designated.
- Be informed about your treatments, ask what their purpose is.
- Discuss the details of any surgery procedures.
- Notify your nurse or doctor if you are experiencing pain.
- If equipment is being used in your care know what it is for and how it should sound.
Prevent the Spread of Germs
- Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
- Ask friends and relatives who have colds not to visit you.
- Get vaccinated if recommended. Flu and pneumonia vaccines help prevent illness particularly in the elderly, high-risk patients and young children.
Prevent Falls
- The hospital is an unfamiliar place. Most falls occur when patients try to get out of bed on their own to go to the bathroom. Ask for help, especially at night.
- Make sure the nurse button is within reach and works.
- Keep your eyeglasses within reach.
- Wear slippers with rubber soles.
- Make sure wheelchair breaks are locked when you are transferring in or out of the chair.
- Watch for spills or obstructions on the floor and ask that they be cleaned up or moved.
- Use adequate light to see.