Your role in safety

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Good communication is key.

Provide your doctor and the nurses with information about your past illnesses and current health condition.
Tell caregivers if you are allergic to any medications or foods, or have any other allergies.
Be an active member of your health care team and take part in every decision about your care.
Ask questions so you can make informed choices about the treatments that are best for you.
Write down your questions, to help you remember.
If you have not understanding due to language barriers, ask for an interpreter to help you understand.
Tell your caregiver, if you do not understand something, or feel uncomfortable about your care.

Help us avoid medication errors

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 it is ordered for you.
Do not take other medicines without asking your caregiver first. Do not bring in medicines from home unless your doctor asks you to.
Tell caregivers if you think there are problems with the medicine you are taking, if you think a medicine is not helping or is causing side effects.
Tell caregivers right away 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 breathing.

Help us control the spread of germs

Wash your hands often. 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 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

Preventing falls.

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.
Ask for help walking with an IV pole or other equipment.
Have someone stay near you if you are weak, sleepy, or cannot see well.
Wear safe clothing. Wear slippers with rubber soles.
Wear robes and pajamas that do not drag on the floor.
Ask for help dressing or undressing and assistance to the washroom if you need it.

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.

Be aware, be informed and be involved.

Your role in safety

Good communication is key.

Help us avoid medication errors

Help us control the spread of germs

Preventing falls.

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