A Culture of Safety

St Joseph Medical Center is dedicated to creating an environment that promotes patient safety through the initiation of safe practices and staff education. We ask that you assist us in our goal of ensuring the safety of your loved one by reviewing and following these simple suggestions.

What Can You Do?

The single most important way you can help to promote safety is to be an active member of your health care team.

• Make sure that all your doctors are aware of every substance you are taking. This includes prescription and over the counter medicines as well as dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.
• Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
• Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you.
• Make sure that someone, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of your care.
• If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.
• Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurses and by using other reliable resources.
• Ask for information about your medications in terms you can understand both when you medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.
• Speak up and ask questions anytime you have concerns or are unsure about your care.
• When you are being discharged from the hospital ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.
• When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it.
• When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask questions such as: Is this the medicine my doctor prescribed for me? How often should I rake the medicine? Are there any special food or drug interactions with this medicines? Ask for written information about side effects your medicine could cause.

Falls, Are You At Risk?

Certain conditions may make you more prone to falls and other accidental injuries.

• Multiple medications- The more medication you take, the more likely you are to experience dizziness or other risky side effects. Tell all your health care providers about the medicines you take. Ask them about any side effects that may place you at risk for falls.
• Walking difficulties-Shuffling, weakness, stooped over posture, inability to walk a straight line, numbness or tingling of toes can make falls more likely. Ask your doctor about assistive devices such as a cane or walker and learn how to use them correctly.
• Chronic conditions that interfere with thinking, such as Alzheimer's disease
• Impaired vision or hearing
• Two or more falls in the past 6 months

Always follow your physician's orders and the nurses' instructions regarding whether you must stay in bed or if you require assistance to go to the bathroom.

• When you need assistance, use the nurse call bell by your bed or in the bathroom and wait for the nurse/assistant to arrive to go to the bathroom.
• Ask the nurse/assistant for help if your feel dizzy or weak getting out of bed. Remember you are more likely to feel weak or dizzy after sitting or lying for a long time. If you must get up without waiting for help, sit in bed awhile before standing. Then rise carefully and slowly begin to walk.
• Wear non-skid slipper socks whenever you walk in the hospital. If you don't have any, ask the nurse/assistant for a pair.
• Remain lying or seated while waiting for assistance. Please be patient. Someone will answer you call as promptly as possible.
• Walk slowly and carefully when you get out of bed. Do not lean or support yourself on rolling objects such as IV poles or your bedside table.
• Do not use furniture to assist yourself.