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THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT WAY YOU CAN
PREVENT ERRORS IS TO BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM
- Armbands should always be checked by a
staff member before any medication is given or any procedure is
performed such as blood work, X-rays, or any operative or invasive
procedure.
- Hand washing or using hand
sanitizer is a very important way to prevent spread of
infection. Our staff should change their gloves and
wash their hands between patients!! Please ask our staff to
wash or sanitize their hands if they have not.
- It is very important for your family and
visitors to wash or sanitize their hands when they enter your room
and when they leave. Hand sanitizer dispensers are available near
the door of every patient room.
- Discourage hospital visits by sick
friends or family or by infants and small children. This is for
their protection as well as yours and is especially true during
the flu season!!
- If someone shows up to do a procedure you
are not expecting, confirm this with your nurse or physician
before proceeding.
- Make sure you understand about any care
or treatment you receive while you are a patient in a clinic or
healthcare facility. Please ask questions if anything is unclear.
- If you are having a surgical or
invasive procedure, the doctor or nurse should question
you about the proper site, then confirm & mark that site.
- If you are given a medicine that is new
or different, ask what it is and what it is for.
- Keep a list of your current
medications, including dosage and
frequency, with you at all times in your
purse or wallet. List any over-the-counter
medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking.
Also list your allergies!! Update it
when anything changes. This is so very important!!
It will always be available for any emergencies, Dr.
appointments, etc.
- If you bring medications with you to the
hospital, never take them while you are here unless
specifically told to do so!! We will review your
medications and will give the medications the physician orders for
you. If there is a medication you need & are not getting, tell
your nurse. Your home medications will be sent home with your
family or stored in the pharmacy until you are discharged.
- Label your medications
clearly and keep them in the original bottles.
- Review any prescriptions and/or discharge
instructions before you leave the hospital or office to ensure you
can read and understand them.
**See the patient
information booklet in your room for additional safety information
© Copyright 2006 Decatur County General Hospital.
All Rights Reserved.
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