Safety

Dear Patient and Family Members,

Welcome and thank you for choosing Berger Hospital where your safety and healthcare are our priority. Our staff is dedicated to providing quality care in the safest possible setting. As part of our commitment, we ask that you partner with us to help assure the best possible results during your stay. The information in this brochure will explain how you and your family members can assist our staff to make your stay as safe as possible.

Medicines You Take

Ask your nurse about your medications--what they are and what they do.

• Ask about the purpose of each medication. Also inquire about the side effects of the medication.
• Bring a current list of your medications. This list should include the name, dosage and frequency of each medication you are taking. Be sure to include herbals, vitamins and over-the-counter medications.
• Let your nurse know if your pills look different than usual or if you feel your next medication dose is overdue.
• Double check with your nurse or physician to be sure all allergies are well-known and documented in your medical chart.
• Do not bring your medicines from home, unless specifically requested.
• Ask for a complete list of medications you are to take when you go home.

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Fall Prevention

All patients are assessed on admission and during every shift by a nurse to identify patients at risk for fall. You can help prevent falls by remembering the following:

• Most falls occur when patients try to get out of bed on their own.
• Always ask for assistance. Keep your call button near you at all times. Ask a nurse to teach you how to use it.
• If you feel weak or uncertain about your ability to walk or get out of bed, a bedside commode can be placed next to your bed.
• There should be adequate lighting in your room. Your eyeglasses as well as personal care items will be kept within reach.
• Wear slippers with rubber soles to prevent slipping. If possible, bring your own shoes or slippers as well as any assistive devices that you normally use at home such as your cane, walker, wheelchair, glasses, or hearing aide.
• Family members, please talk to our staff if you feel that your presence beyond normal visiting hours will help to prevent falls and increase the safety of your loved one.

Educate Yourself

• Educate yourself about your diagnosis, medical tests and treatment plan.
• Ask your nurse or physician for written information.
• Write down important facts your physician tells you.
• When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your physician or nurse to explain the treatment plan to follow at home.

Partnering in Your Care

• At Berger, all employees are required to wear photo identification badges while on duty. If you are not sure what someone's role is, please ask.
• Hospital staff should check your patient ID bracelet for the correct patient name and date of birth before any procedure, test, medication dose or blood transfusion.
• If your ID bracelet comes off ask a nurse or any other caregiver to replace it--you should be wearing your ID bracelet at all times.

Preventing Infection

• Remind your nurse, physician and other caregivers to wash their hands before providing care.
• Encourage your visitors to use the alcohol-based sanitizers conveniently located in your room.
• Ask friends or relatives who have colds, respiratory symptoms or other contagious illnesses not to visit you while you are in the hospital.
• Consider taking the flu or pneumonia vaccine offered to you during your stay or at your family doctor's office.

Ask Questions

Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers.

• Share your questions or concerns with your nurse, physician or any caregiver.
• Bring along a family member or a friend, who can help you ask questions. This person can be your patient advocate. Let a staff member know who your advocate is.
• Please provide us with your current and past medical history.
• Tell your nurse or doctor if something doesn't seem quite right.

Please Remember to Continue These Safe Practices at Home

• Communicate with your physicians and pharmacists--voice your concerns, ask questions. Communicate important changes in your health status to your physician.
• Understand your medical condition, treatments and medications.
• Get appropriate medical equipment at home and be sure you understand how to use it properly.

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