We do everything possible to ensure your health & safety.
However, your support is needed as well if we are to provide you with a safe and secure environment. Here are some patient safety tips and suggestions.
For your safety, we ask you to remain on your own unit at all times unless you are leaving the area for treatment or examination. If you must leave your unit for any other reason, please notify a member of the nursing staff.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Your nurse will show you how the nurse call button at the side of your bed works. Please use it if you need assistance. Patient rooms also have bedside intercoms that allow you to speak directly to your nurse’s station. For additional safety, there is an emergency call button in every bathroom.
Always ask for assistance when getting in and out of a bed or wheelchair. Do not lean out too far over the side of your bed, or use the bedside cabinet or over-bed table for support. Keep in mind that your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home. Side rails on your hospital bed are normally kept up for your safety, so please do not try to raise or lower them by yourself.
Patient Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips and suggestions from your healthcare professionals at St. Margaret’s.
This includes the medication you take, any operations you’ve had, or any allergies you may have. The more your healthcare provider knows, the more successful your care plan and recovery will be.
Ask your physician or nurse to check it before you accept it.
If you have questions or concerns about your condition or treatment options, please be sure to ask your physician or nurse.
Remind caregivers to wash their hands before they care for you. Wash your own hands and keep any wounds clean and dry.
Make sure your partner in care learns what to do, too.
Personal Safety
An identification bracelet will be provided to you upon admission to the hospital. Because the information on the bracelet is designed to assist our staff members in caring for you, please do not remove it during your stay.
St. Margaret’s Hospital is dedicated to healing and promoting health. Smoking and other use of tobacco or tobacco products is prohibited within all areas of the hospital. Thank you for observing this policy during your stay with us.
All of the medications you take during your hospital stay are prescribed by your doctor and will be administered by the nursing staff. Patients are not permitted to administer their own medications or keep personal medications at their bedsides, unless otherwise ordered by a physician. Any medications brought with you will be sent home with a relative or stored in the pharmacy until you are ready to be discharged. No alcohol or drugs are allowed in the hospital except by a physician’s written order.
St. Margaret’s cannot be responsible for personal possessions or valuables kept in a patient’s rooms. Therefore, we suggest that you leave them at home or arrange for them to be sent home with a friend or relative as soon as possible after your admission. If this is not possible, please let a member of the nursing staff make arrangements for your valuables or money to be placed in safekeeping for you. A receipt for the items will be provided. If you do lose something, please notify your nurse immediately so that we can make every effort to help you find it.
For your own safety, we ask that you leave all electrical appliances at home. This includes hairdryers, radios, VCRs, and any other appliances or toys with motors. Whether plug-in or battery-operated, these items generate electrical interference that may affect patient monitoring equipment and pacemakers.
Due to fire hazards, special regulations are in effect in areas where patients are receiving oxygen. Electrically operated equipment and aerosol products are not permitted in these areas. Additionally, petroleum products like Vaseline or suntan oil are flammable and should not be used near oxygen equipment. Parents of pediatric patients in particular are asked to assist the nursing staff with strict enforcement of these safety regulations.
Cellular phones generate electrical interference that may affect patient monitoring equipment and pacemakers. Use of these devices in patient care areas is restricted.
For your safety and protection, St. Margaret’s regularly conducts fire/disaster drills. If a drill occurs during your stay, please remain in your room and do not become alarmed. St. Margaret’s Hospital is housed in fire-resistant buildings and our staff is well trained in fire protection measures.
The infection control practices employed at St. Margaret’s Hospital are designed to help prevent infections in our patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. At times, you may notice the hospital staff wearing gloves, gowns, masks, and/or protective eyewear when caring for you. All of these practices are performed with your well being in mind. Should you have any questions or concerns, please share them with your nurse or physician.