In recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, Marion General Hospital is offering tips to help patients stay safe and take an active role in their care.
Patient Safety Awareness Week is observed annually to raise awareness of important patient safety issues.
“Patient safety is at the core of the care we provide and engrained within our hospital culture,” said Stephanie Hilton-Siebert, President and CEO. “We welcome this opportunity to celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week in collaboration with the Indiana Hospital Association with our patients, staff, and community.” MGH offers the following tips to help patients stay safe and comfortable during their hospital stay:
Speak up. You must trust your health care provider, but remember communication is a two-way street. If you have a question or concern about your care, ask your doctor. Ask Me 3® encourages patients and families to ask three specific questions of their providers to better understand their health conditions and what they need to do to stay healthy.
o What is my main problem?
o What do I need to do?
o Why is it important for me to do this?
Keep your hands clean. Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Keep your hands clean and ask providers to clean their hands before touching you.
Educate yourself. Unfortunately, it’s possible to get an infection in the hospital while being treated for something else. Know the signs and symptoms of infection and let your health care provider know if you experience them. Participate in treatment decisions. Your health care provider has your best interests in mind, but you must be an active participant in your own care. Discuss all treatment options so you can make an informed decision together.
