Your health and safety is our priority. We are dedicated to creating a safe, comfortable environment for our patients, visitors, and associates. Advanced equipment, new technology, and staff education are all part of our safety commitment. We also want you to feel empowered to take part in your care.

Speak up.

Please tell us, at any time, if you are concerned about your safety or the safety of the people around you.  Also, please ask us any questions you have about your care. We are here for you.

Give us your full health history.

Provide us with detailed information about your current health and your past health history. The more we know about you, the better we can help you be well.

Understand your medications.

We want you to understand which medications you are taking and why. If you need more information or have questions, please ask your nurse or your doctor. Bring your medication bottles or packages with you when you visit the hospital, including herbal medications and supplements, so that we know the name, dosage, and frequency.  We will give you a list of medications to continue at home.

Minimize falls.

If our clinical staff feels you are at risk of falling, we will give you specific instructions to keep you safe. It is very important for you to follow these instructions to reduce your risk of a fall. Call for help before getting out of bed, getting up from a chair, or using the bathroom. 

Provide identification

Our clinical staff and associates will frequently check your ID band and ask your name and date of birth. Thank you for your patience as we double-check your identification for safety reasons before administering medication, giving you blood or intravenous fluids, drawing blood, performing procedures, or transferring you from one area of the hospital to another. 

Maintain healthy hygiene.

Our healthy hygiene standards are part of our promise to keep you safe. We ask you and your visitors to maintain a high level of personal hygiene while in our hospitals to minimize the risk of infection.

• Wash your hands often, especially after eating or using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Don’t touch your wound or IV.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and place used tissues in the trash.

We will also do our part, including washing our hands before and after direct hands-on care. We will also thoroughly explain any additional hygiene precautions you may need as part of your care. 

Understand each procedure.

If you will undergo a surgery or procedure, make sure your doctor has explained why it is necessary, how it will help you, the risks and possible outcomes, and what other types of treatment may be available. 

Participate in surgery safety.

You should expect your healthcare team to double-check your identity and the planned procedure to avoid any errors. They will also mark the site of the surgery to avoid any confusion. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and please remember that you, your visitors, and your doctors and nurses should wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. 

Be safe while active.

Your doctor will tell you what types of activities are safe and appropriate while you are a patient in one of our hospitals. We ask you not to leave your clinical unit unsupervised, including going to the cafeteria or for a walk outside the hospital. Leaving the clinic unit with equipment such as drains, IV catheters, or portable oxygen is unsafe.

No smoking, please.

We are proud to be tobacco-free on all of our hospital campuses and facilities, both inside and on campus grounds. A smoke-free, tobacco-free environment protects our patients, associates, visitors, volunteers, and everyone else on our campuses. Please let us know if you’d like assistance quitting, or if you need counseling or other resources while you are in the hospital.