Home > Patient Information
 

Patient Information

Patient InformationPatients can help make their experience safer by being involved in and informed about their treatment. By asking questions and following through on their clinician's treatment and instructions, patients can take part in the process and gain confidence in their care. Improving patient safety requires continuous learning and constant communication of information between caregivers, organizations and patients. Everyone has a role in patient safety, and everyone will benefit from its successes.

What can consumers do to have a safer experience?

The National Patient Safety Foundation suggests these steps to help make your healthcare experience safer:

Become a more informed healthcare consumer

  • Seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you.

  • Research options and possible treatment plans.

  • Choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital experienced in the type of care you require.

  • Ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or benefits plan coordinator.

  • Seek more than one opinion.

Keep track of your history
Write down your medical history including any medical conditions you have, illnesses, immunizations, allergies, hospitalizations, all medications and dietary supplements you're taking and any reactions or sensitivities you've experienced.

Make sure that all of your doctors know about all medications you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
Write down the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics and pharmacies for quick and easy references.

When your doctor writes a prescription, make sure you can read it.

Work as a team with your doctor and other healthcare professionals.

Share your health history with your care team.

Share up-to-date care information with everyone who's treating you.

Make sure you understand the care and treatment you'll be receiving. Ask questions if you don't understand.

Pay attention. If something doesn't seem right, call it to the attention of your doctor or healthcare professional.

Discuss any concerns about your safety with your healthcare team.

Expect your healthcare workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room. Look for their identification badges.

Make sure your nurse or doctor confirms your identityby checking your wristband or asking your name, before he or she administers any medication or treatment.

Involve a family member or friend in your care
If you're not able to observe or participate fully in your care, ask a family member or friend to assist. They can accompany you on appointments or stay with you, help you ask questions, understand care instructions and suggest your preferences.

Review consents for treatment with your family member or friend before you sign them. Make sure you both understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

Make sure a family member or friend understands the type of care you will need when you get home. Your family member or friend should know what to look for if your condition is getting worse and whom to call for help.

Your Hospital Stay
If you have a choice, choose a hospital at which many patients have the procedure or surgery you need.

If you are in a hospital, consider asking all healthcare workers who have direct contact with you whether they have washed their hands.

Do not bring valuables to the hospital.

Discharge
When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.

Surgery
If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor and your surgeon all agree and understand exactly what will be done.

Follow your doctor's directions
Be sure you receive all instructions in writing and that you read and understand them. In addition, ask to have information explained verbally.

Take medications exactly as prescribed.

Use home medical equipment and supplies only as instructed.
Report anything unusual to your doctor.

Patient Information

Patient Safety and Security

2008 National Patient Safety Goals

Contracted Insurance Plans

You are encouraged to contact Spring Valley Hospital management regarding any concerns about patient care and safety in the hospital that has not been addressed. If the concern continues, you may contact The Joint Commission.

Smoking Policy

Spring Valley Hospital is a nonsmoking facility. It is the hospital's policy to provide a smoke-free environment for patients, visitors, employees, medical staff, vendors and contractors within, and immediately surrounding the institution. Smoking in patient rooms, or anywhere else within the facility is prohibited. Designated smoking areas are outside the building. The staff asks that patients not leave the hospital to smoke outside. It's very important to note to telemetry patients, that the telemetry transmitter will not transmit outside the hospital.

Medical Education Program

Occasionally, allied health students under an affiliation agreement may participate in the care of the patient as part of the medical education program of this institution. If a patient wishes to decline participation in various educational programs at this hospital, they may inform their nurse or physician. 

Advance Directives

Visit The Valley Health System Web site to learn more about Advance Directives.

Medication Listing

What's in your medicine cabinet? Learn more...

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.
 
The information, content and artwork provided by this Web site is intended for non-commercial use by the reader. The reader is permitted to make one copy of the information displayed for his/her own non-commercial use. The making of additional copies is prohibited.