Services - During Your Stay

DURING YOUR STAY

St Mary’s Innovis Health is committed to excellence. A very important part of that excellence is our commitment to your safety.

People who are more involved with their own care in the hospital tend to do better and stay safer. By working together with doctors, nurses and other hospital staff, you can lower your risk of injury and make your hospital stay as safe as possible. Please explain to us your needs, wants, and concerns. 

Here are some ways to help your stay be a safe and positive experience.

ASK QUESTIONS

Feel free to talk to your doctor and nurse about any concerns. We welcome your questions.

  • Ask questions if you do not understand, and if you think of questions when your doctor or nurse is not present, write them down {on the pad provided} so that you may ask them at a later time.
  • Ask about your treatment plan, be sure you understand and agree with that plan. It is your body and your right to know.
  • Ask a family member or friend to listen with you when a diagnosis, treatment plan, test results, or discharge plans are explained. They will help you remember.
  • Ask for an interpreter if you are deaf or hearing impaired or if English is not your primary language.
  • Question anything that seems unusual or different from what you were told.
IDENTIFY YOURSELF
  • Wear your ID band at all times. If your ID band comes off, ask someone to get a new one for you.
  • Check the information on the ID band to be sure the information is correct.
  • Staff will check your ID band before any procedure or test.
HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS
  • Be aware that hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Ask friends and relatives who have colds, respiratory symptoms, or other contagious illnesses not to visit you or anyone in the hospital.
  • Get vaccinated if it is recommended. Flu and pneumonia vaccines can help prevent illnesses in elderly and people at high risk.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SKIN SAFETY

Many people are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. A pressure ulcer or bed sore is a serious problem in the hospital or at home. A pressure ulcer forms most commonly over bony areas (tailbone, elbow, heel, hip, etc., and even on the back of the head). It can slow your recovery, cause pain, infection and other problems.

Working together we can lower that risk and here are ways that you and your nurse can take action to protect your skin:

  • Be active; the longer you stay in bed the more risk you have for developing a pressure ulcer (bedsore).
  • When you are in bed, we will encourage you to turn at least every two hours, and assist as needed.
  • When you are sitting, shift your weight every 15 minutes or we will assist you to reposition every hour.
  • We will be looking for reddened areas on your body. Tell your nurse if you see or feel anything unusual, or experience pain on bony areas.
  • We will use a sheet under you for lifting to avoid injuring your skin.
  • We may use pads on your elbows for protection.
  • Pillows may be used under your legs to keep your heels off the mattress.
  • We will use pillows to help you stay positioned, and to separate your knees/feet.
  • We will help you be aware of the relationship of nutrition to skin health.
  • We expect and encourage you to explain to us any needs, wants and concerns.

THIS IS OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF WE DO NOT MEET THESE STANDARDS.  

PREVENTING FALLS IN THE HOSPITAL

You will do more and more walking as your health improves. To avoid falling and hurting yourself, please follow these guidelines.

Keep important items within reach. This includes your call button.

CALL DON’T FALL

  • Ask for help to go to the bathroom.
  • To be safe, sit at the side of the bed for a few minutes before you get up, get out of chairs slowly, then stand and get your balance before you walk.
  • Some medicines may cause you to feel dizzy, weak or lightheaded, call your nurse for help. Don’t get up by yourself.
  • Wear shoes or non-skid slippers every time you get out of bed.
  • Use only unmoving objects to help steady yourself. Don’t use your IV pole, tray table, wheelchair or other objects that can move.
  •  Use the handrails in the bathroom and hallway.
  • If you wear glasses or hearing aids, use them.
  • Pay close attention to any tubing, such as oxygen, catheters, etc. that may interfere with walking.
  • If you are using a wheelchair, lock the brakes and move the footrests before getting in or out of the chair.
  • Notify your nurse of any spills or wet areas on the floor so they may be cleaned up quickly.

TIPS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

  • Before you leave the room, we ask that you make sure the nurse call button and the bed stand is within reach. Some medications may have side effects that produce weakness or dizziness. If you notice these symptoms please notify your nurse.
  • Consider staying with your family member if they are at a high risk for falling or confused.
  • Notify your nurse before leaving a confused or disoriented family member, so appropriate safety measures can be taken.
  • Reinforce to your family member the need to ask the nurse for help when getting up.
  • Remind us to have PT/OT show you the best ways to help your family member at home.
PREPARE FOR GOING HOME

Be sure you are clear about the discharge instructions you have received including medicines and information about follow up care.

Be sure you understand WHO and WHEN to call if you have questions.