For Your Safety
Be a Partner in Your Care
Humboldt General Hospital is committed to providing you the best possible
medical outcome during your stay with us. Improving patient safety requires
continuous learning and constant communication between caregivers and patients.
Everyone has a role in patient safety and everyone will benefit from its
successes! Patients can assure a safer experience by being actively involved
with their care. This is the single most important way you can help in
preventing medical errors. Research shows that patients who are more involved
with their care tend to have better results. The following is a list of
things you can do to help ensure your safety:
- Ask questions! You have the right to participate in your own patient safety
and care. Our staff is ready and willing to help in any way they can!
- Request foreign language or sign language translators if you have any difficulty
understanding instructions or information being provided to you by your
doctor or caregiver.
- Make sure your doctors and nurses know about all the medications you are
taking, including prescriptions, over the counter medications and dietary
supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
- Make sure your doctors and nurses know about all allergies to medications,
food and environment (dust, mold, fragrances) and what happens when you
have an allergic reaction.
- Ask what to expect prior to taking medications, having treatments or undergoing
diagnostic procedures.
- If someone comes into your room, ask them to identify themselves. All hospital
employees and doctors have identification badges. If they don't have
an identification badge, ring your call bell and ask for assistance.
- Make sure your caregivers check your armband identification each time before
they administer medication, change IV solutions, get samples for lab work
or perform any procedure or treatment.
- Infections can occur after certain types of medical procedures, such as
surgery. Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material
or going to the bathroom. Ask your friends and visitors to wash their
hands when they come to visit. Since you are part of your health care
team, do not be afraid to inquire whether doctors and nurses have washed
or disinfected their hands with a waterless gel before working with you.
- You are the best person to know what doesn't feel or seem right to
you. This could include a red or sore area where your IV is located, moisture
or wetness around a dressing, a skin irritation, or anything you think
doesn't feel right. If you notice anything, let your caregiver know
right away!
- Some patients may not be able to fully participate in their care because
of their condition. If this occurs, ask a family member or friend to be
your advocate and speak up for you if you can't.
- Make sure your or a family member or friend completely understand your
discharge instructions. Have your doctor or nurse explain anything you
don't understand about the treatment plan you will use when you leave
the hospital.
- Your safety and satisfaction are very important to us. You are a key member
of the healthcare team. Your knowledge of the key points and participation
in your care will help lead to a safe and successful visit at Humboldt
General Hospital.
Fall Prevention
Help us prevent you from falling while you're here! Unless your nurse
or therapist has approved it, don't try to get in or out of bed without
help. Your illness or treatment may make you dizzy or weak, so take your
time and be sure to wear nonskid slippers whenever you walk. If you get
up by yourself, sit up in bed for a while before standing. Rise carefully,
and slowly begin to walk. Remember that you are more likely to faint or
feel dizzy after sitting or lying down for a long time. If the side rails
on your bed are in the 'up' position, please leave them there.
They will protect you from falls and help you turn in bed. Unless your
doctor has specified a certain position, you may adjust your bed in any
way that is comfortable.
Fall precautions may become necessary if you are disoriented. Ask your
nurse for an explanation. Don't hesitate to use the emergency signal
cord in your bathroom if you need help.