Your Protection

Release of Verbal Information About You

The confidentiality of your information is very important to Warren General Hospital. However, we realize that it is also important for family and friends to be able to receive information about you as well. You may designate someone to receive information on your condition. That person must have a code that they must identify to the nurse when calling the hospital. Only those with the code will be given general information regarding your condition. This if for protection of your right to privacy and is not meant to cause inconvenience to your family or friends.

Keeping You Safe During Periods of Disorientation or Confusion

Your safety may be at risk if you become confused or disoriented. If this happens, we will work with you and your family to keep you safe. Patient restraints may be used to keep you free from harm during confusion.

They may be needed to keep you from pulling out special tubes or drains following surgery, or to keep you from falling out of bed. Keeping you safe and comfortable is our primary goal.

How can my family help to keep me safe? Families and friends are encouraged to work closely with staff to keep you safe by letting the staff know of new episodes of unsteadiness or confusion; by keeping the call bell close at hand; always replacing the top side rails if they are lowered during a visit; and by letting the staff know when a visitation period is ending.

What can you do to prevent medical errors? Be involved in your health care. You should take part in every decision about your health care. Speak Up!

What about my medications?

• -Make sure you know what medicines you are taking and WHY you are taking them.
• -Make sure that your physician caregivers knows ALL of the medicines that you are currently taking. This includes over-the-counter
medicines and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
• -Make sure that your doctor caregivers knows about any allergies and bad reactions you have had to medicines.
• -Make sure that you can read a prescription that a physician writes for you.
• -Know how long you should continue to take the medicine.
• -Know what food, drinks, or activities should be avoided while taking the medicine.
• -Make sure that you understand the directions on the medicine label.

Know what side effects may occur and what to do if they do occur.

What about my hospital stay?

-Ask your caregivers if they have washed their hands before treating you. Hand washing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.

-Report ANY medications brought with you to the hospital IMMEDIATELY to the doctor and nursing staff. If you don’t understand what is being done to you or why, ASK QUESTIONS. It is your body and you have every right to know what is happening and why. Keep asking until you understand. Expect all health care workers to introduce themselves to you. Look for their identification badges. If you are unsure about a person in your room, call for your nurse. Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate, someone who will speak for you and ask questions for you if you are unable. If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your primary care doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done. Ask about results to tests if you have not yet received a report. Learn as much about your illness as you can so that you understand treatment options and plans. Ask your doctor if you don’t understand.

-Speak Up! At Warren General Hospital we want what you want – the best possible outcome. If you have questions or concerns about anything, please ask. It is your body and you have the right to know.