The safety of our patients is of utmost importance and our goal is to ensure you and your loved ones are safe. Remember it is your right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and discuss treatment options with the doctor or nurse. You always have the right to refuse treatment. We invite you to partner with us to help ensure your care is safe.
Please provide your doctor and the nurses with information about your past illnesses, allergies and current health condition.
Ask questions so you can make informed choices about the treatments that are best for you. If you have not understood due to language barriers, ask for an interpreter to help you understand.
Feel free to tell your doctor and nurses, if you do not understand something, or feel uncomfortable about your care.
It is important that we are aware of all the medications you take to avoid unsafe medication combinations. Ask the doctor or nurse about your medicines. Ask about each medicine every time it is offered to you. Ask what it is, and why you are receiving it.
Do not take other medicines without asking your caregiver first. Do not bring in medicines from home unless your doctor asks you to.
Immediately communicate to the nurse if you think you are having an allergic reaction to a medicine. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching or hives, and swelling in your face or hands. You may also have swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, and trouble
Hand washing is very important. Good handwashing will help prevent the spread of germs, especially after you have gone to the bathroom and before you eat.
Do not allow sick people to visit. Ask friends and family with colds or other infections not to visit.
Due to your specific health condition, you may be on isolation precautions. These are rules that must be kept to help keep the disease from spreading. For example, everyone may have to wear gloves, masks, and gowns while they are in your hospital room. You may also need to wear a mask.
Help keep your environment clean. Let the nurses know if your bedding, gown, or other linens are soiled
The most common cause of falls in the hospital is when a person gets out of bed without help. Ask for help when you get out of bed. If you are not able to get out of bed by yourself, use the call button. This will call a nurse to help you get out of bed safely.
Try to keep your bedside clear of clutter and ask for help walking with an IV pole or other equipment.
It is less likely for you to fall if you wear safe clothing. Wear slippers with rubber soles and wear robes and pajamas that do not drag on the floor.
Feel free to ask for help dressing or undressing and assistance to the washroom if you need it.
