Your Safety

WAYS YOU CAN HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS

• Always ask a member of your health care team to assist you in getting in and out of bed or wheelchairs.
• Use the nurse call system when you wish to get up. Pressing the call light button will turn on a light at the nurses' station and over your door. Someone will assist you promptly.
• Your bedside rails ensure your safety, especially after surgery, after medications and during sleep. Please ask for assistance in getting out of bed.
• Do not bring electrical equipment or appliances to the hospital unless absolutely necessary. These items must be inspected for safety if brought into the hospital.

MEDICATION SAFETY

Please give your nurse a list of names, dosage and how often you take all your current medications including prescription drugs, herbal medicine, over the counter and vitamins.

All medications you may have brought with you, including aspirin or Tylenol, should be returned home, as they can interfere or interact with tests or medicines ordered for you in the hospital. Your nurse will bring your medication and drug information to you as ordered by the physician.

Also, if you have any drug or food allergy, please inform your nurse or physician.

Your are encouraged to discuss questions regarding your medication treatment.

CONSENT

You may be asked to sign consent forms for certain types of treatment, tests, and or procedures. Your physician will have explained these tests or procedures. If you do not understand the procedure or test, you are asked to consent to, tell your nurse and your doctor will be notified.

It is important for you to understand the risks, benefits and alternatives available to you whenever you are undergoing anything other than a minor test or treatment.