Patient Safety Tips

Across the nation, the week of March 2 is recognized as Patient Safety Awareness Week. This time is set aside to remind all of us the importance of implementing systems to ensure that our hospitals are a safe place for patients to be.  Here are some helpful tips to remember:

• Rid your medicine cabinets of old or expired medications.
• Bring your medications to your doctor or pharmacist for review.
• Obtain copies of all your healthcare records and keep them in a safe place.
• Write down and carry with you all of your prescription and over the counter medications (including doses), as well as any allergies.
• Write down and carry with you the names and numbers of all of your healthcare providers and pharmacies.
• Identify an advocate (either family member or friend) who can accompany you and ask questions on your behalf.
• Talk with your family or other close individuals about what your preferences are for your healthcare, in case you are unable to speak for yourself.

Communicate with your providers

• Ask your healthcare professional about patient safety, and how communication between you and your providers can be improved.
• Communicate with your provider about your healthcare safety concerns.
• Let your healthcare provider know who they should talk with in case you are unable to speak for yourself.

The health, safety and comfort of our patients are our first priority.  Hillcrest strives to earn our patient's trust and we continue to seek ways to provide patients with the safest possible experience, while meeting the medical needs with quality, experienced care.  Thank you for partnering with us to improve the health of our community and your family!