Things to Know Before You Come to the Hospital

Healthcare Team

• Everyone has a role in making healthcare safe.
• Willis-Knighton has made healthcare safety a priority.
• You, as the patient, can play a vital role in making your stay as safe as possible.
• Become an active, involved and informed member of the team

Speak Up

• If you have questions or concerns, speak up.
• If you don’t understand, ask again.
• Don’t be afraid to tell the nurse or doctor if something doesn’t seem right.
• Don’t be afraid to ask about safety.

Educate Yourself

• Write down important facts that your doctor tells you.
• Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand before you sign anything.
• If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor or nurse to explain it again.

Have an Advocate

• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
• Your advocate can ask questions that you may not think of while you are ill.
• Your advocate can help you remember answers to questions you have.
• Your advocate can assist you with your care when you get home.

Medicines

• Make sure ALL your doctors know about everything you are taking.
• This includes prescriptions, over the counter medications, and dietary supplements such as vitamins/herbs.
• Tell your doctor and family about any allergies or reactions to medications.
• Ask for information about your medicine in terms you can understand.
• If you don’t recognize a medication that is brought to you, ask what it is and why you are receiving it.
• Your wristband will be checked before each medication to verify identification.
• When you are discharged, make sure you can read the prescription the doctor gives you.

Surgery

• Staff will verify who you are, what kind of surgery you are having, and on what part of the body you are having surgery MANY times!
• Depending on the type of surgery you are having, the doctor may mark the correct location of your procedure.
• You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale from 1 – 10.

General Advice

• If you have a test, don’t assume that no news is good news. Call back for results.
• Learn about your condition and treatments by asking questions.
• Make sure everyone who provides care for you washes his or her hands.
• Read all information given to you on admission and discharge.