Your role in your care
Our teams partner with you and your family to provide the best care possible. Learn how you can help us keep you safe.
Communication
Safety starts with good communication.
- Ask questions until you feel comfortable. It is important that you understand as much as possible about the care you receive.
- Listen to what your health care provider is saying. If you do not understand, tell them and ask more questions.
- Talk to your health care provider about any problems you are having. You should share any information that can help us provide better care for you.
- We have language interpreters available. Ask the staff if you would like an interpreter.
Medications
Have a list of all your medications, including ointments, patches, creams, drops and over-the-counter medications. This includes vitamins, cold medication, pain relievers, etc.
Your medication list should include:
- the name of the medication
- how often you take it
- the strength or amount you take
- why you take it
Allergies and reactions
Tell your care team about any allergies or bad reactions to medications you have had.
Medication while in the hospital
If you don’t know why you are receiving a medication, ask. For your safety, expect staff to confirm your name before giving you any medications.
While in hospital, don’t take any of your home medications unless it is approved by your health care provider.
Falls prevention
Asking for help
Ask us if you need help to use the bathroom, sit or stand. If your care team asks you not to get up without help, call them to help you.
Footwear
To prevent falling, wear footwear that:
- fits well
- has non-skid soles
- has closed toes and closed heels
Call bell
If you have a call bell, make sure you can reach it at all times so you can call for help.
Walking with your baby
If a parent wants to walk with their baby outside of their room, they must have the baby in a bassinet. Babies must also stay on the third floor.
Clean hands
Cleaning your hands is one of the best ways to stop the spread of infections and germs in our hospitals. Remember to use the alcohol-based hand rubs throughout the building or wash your hands with soap and water. Ask if you need help.
It is okay to remind your health care providers to clean their hands before giving care to you or your baby.
When to clean your hands
Make sure you, your family and visitors clean their hands:
- before and after touching the and/or any objects in the patient’s room
- before eating
- after coughing or sneezing
- when entering the units
- after going to the washroom