Your Protection

Release of Verbal Information

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 your condition.

Therefore, 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.

Keeping You Safe

At Warren General Hospital, your safety is our priority. 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.

About Medications

• Make sure you know what medicines you are taking and WHY you are taking them.
• Make sure that your doctor and 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 and 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.

Your Hospital Stay

• Ask everyone to wash their hands. 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 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.
• If you have questions or concerns about anything, please ask.