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Things to Know Before You Come to the Hospital

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.

 

 

 

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