About Us    Contact Us    Careers    Site Map    Search

Health Care Services    Hospitals & Facilities    Health Information    Find a Doctor    Why Choose Baptist
 
Home For Patients
Have a Positive Hospital Experience
Have a Positive Hospital Experience
 


Daily Bread
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24
One of the best ways to help ensure you have a safe and positive hospital experience is by partnering with your health care provider. At Baptist, we have designed a program to help educate you about your care and what to expect from us. Through this initiative, we encourage you to take an active role in your health care program. By being involved, you have more control of your health outcomes and recovery.

The single biggest thing patients and their families can do to have a positive hospital experience is ask questions. If there's something you don't understand or if you're just curious, don't be embarrassed to ask about it. Your questions can help you while in the hospital, at your physician's office or at home.

These tips will help you promote your own safety while in the hospital.

  • Get to know the staff who will be caring for you. All health care professionals who come into your room will wear an ID badge that identifies them - check for it.
  • Before your health care providers perform any procedures or give you any medications, ask them to check your armband, as well as identify themselves and explain the reason for their visit.
  • Ask your health care providers if they've washed their hands. Often they do this before entering your room.

Remember that you, your physician and the hospital staff have the same goal- improving your health and comfort. If for any reason you feel you aren't receiving the best care possible, talk to the nurse in charge or the hospital's patient relations representative. Know your rights. As a patient, you are entitled to safe and quality care, and Baptist is committed to that.



Falls Prevention in the Hospital
Being in unfamiliar surroundings and taking medications can increase your chances for falling while in the hospital. Your health care provider will assess your potential for falling and will use hospital resources, such as side rails, identification items and emergency call lights, to help you while in the hospital. They will also orient you to the room and offer to help when you need assistance. It is important that you and your family partner with the hospital staff during this time to keep you safe.

While in the hospital, there are also some things you and your family can do to prevent falls from happening:

  • Share your complete medical history with the hospital staff so they can be aware of your risks for falls.
  • Any time you feel dizzy or unsteady, ask for help before moving from one place to another. Use the emergency call light.
  • Be aware of your limitations and move slowly.
  • Make sure your bed is in the low position before trying to stand.
  • Wear socks with slip guards or slippers with soft rubber soles.
  • Have a friend or family member stay with you at the hospital.
  • Keep the things you frequently need or want, such as eyeglasses or hearing aids, within close reach.
  • Adjust the lighting in your room so you can see well.


Top of Page
You May Be Interested In...
Home | Health Care Services | Hospitals & Facilities | Health Information | Find a Doctor | Why Choose Baptist
©2010 Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer. Notice of Privacy Practices.
Baptist Memorial Hospital In keeping with the three-fold ministry of Christ - healing, preaching and teaching - BMHCC is committed to providing quality health care.