OakBend Medical Center’s goal is to provide a safe environment for your care and we believe that everyone has responsibility in achieving patient safety. Our staff is trained to ensure that you are safe during your stay at OakBend Medical Center. However, it is important that you also stay involved and informed about your treatment and care. Listed below are some guidelines to stay involved in your healthcare:

Be Educated

• Learn everything you can about your illness.
• Be sure you understand the treatment and care you will be receiving.
• If you are not able to take part in your care, then ask a relative or friend to assist by asking questions.

Keep Notes

• Keep notes on your medical history, including any medical conditions, illnesses, past hospital visits, medications and any allergies you may have.

Participate in Your Health Care

• Adhere to the treatment plan for which you have agreed with your physician and health care team.
• If you have any safety concerns, discuss these with your health care team.
• If something does not feel right with your treatment or medications, inform your physician, nurse or other member of your health care team.
• If you feel hopeless, helpless or have lost interest lately in activities, please let your physician or nurse know.

Medications from Home

• Your physician will decide which medications you should continue while hospitalized and the pharmacy will supply you with all your medication needs.
• All medications brought from home into the hospital should be sent home with a relative or friend.

Medication Instructions

• Ensure you know which medications you are taking and why you are taking them.
• Always ensure that your nurse or other healthcare team member checks your armband and asks your name prior to administering any medications.
• You should know when you are supposed to receive medications. If you do not receive your medication then make sure your nurse or physician is       called.
• Staff administering your medication should identify you by name and birth date. This goes for any procedure, too.

Infection Prevention

• Always wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet, coughing or sneezing.
• We encourage you to use the alcohol hand gel dispensers that are located just inside the door of each patient room and around the hospital.
• Remind physicians, the health care team, and family members to wash their hands or use alcohol hand gel before entering or leaving your area.
• Please be aware of any signs on patient room doors that list special precautions for entering the room.
• If you are not sure what special precautions to take when visiting a patient, please check with a nurse to find out what is needed.
• For the safety and protection of patients and hospital staff, we observe standard precautions with all body fluids.

Be Informed About Your Surgery

• Make sure you know who is performing your surgery. Ask them what they will be doing and how they expect you will feel afterwards.
• If you have any questions about your care, ask your surgeon.

Understand Discharge Instructions

• You should ensure that you receive and follow both verbal and written discharge instructions.
• If you do not understand, ask questions.