Check out this website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to access information about getting involved in decisions about your health care ~

http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer/index.html



Patient safety is our culture

We want you to know that we share your concern about patient safety.  We are improving Patient Safety through use of best practices, improved technology and increased patient involvement in their healthcare. Quite simply, patient safety is a priority at our hospital.

Our commitment to safety

Your safety is our priority. Our goal is to make you feel safe and secure while you are in the hospital.  Every member of our staff is dedicated to:

• Providing you with a safe, healthy and secure environment 
• Performing their jobs carefully and competently 
• Using safe and effective practices and technologies
• Responding to your wants and needs in a timely manner
• Ensuring timely communications between caregivers and patients by answering questions about your treatment and your health, providing you with specific  information about your care and explaining changes about your treatment

Tell us about...

• Prescription medications you have been taking
• Over-the-counter medications that you are using, or commonly use for pain, headaches, cough and cold and other ailments.
• Use of natural remedies or alternative medications, that you are using
• Use of recreational drugs, if any
• Any concerns or questions you have about your medications
• As much information as you may have or can remember about allergies or reactions to medications you may have had in the past
• Your diet, including foods and beverages you commonly eat or drink
• Before receiving medication, a treatment or any service, be sure the armband has your name and other information can be checked.
   

Ask us...

• What is the name of this medication? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
• What is it for?
• How much should I get, and how often?
• What possible side effects are there?
• Do you have anything I can read about this medication?
   

If this medication is unfamiliar or new to you, also ask:

• Will this be replacing anything I was taking before I came in?
• What possible side effects are there?
• Has this medication been on the market for more than a year?
• If you notice anything different that catches your attention, ask.

Example 1: You receive four tablets in the morning instead of two (you might be receiving a new medication that you might want to learn about)
Example 2: The medication you have been taking for blood pressure was always a blue tablet, but today you have a white one (could be a generic version of the same medication)

Please ask any questions you may have about your medications and other treatments.