IWK Health Centre: Patient Safety

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Patient Safety

Patient safety is a priority at the IWK Health Centre.

Our goals are to ensure that everyone who receives care or service from us are kept safe and that we continue to work to prevent unnecessary harm or injury to all patients. Patients and families are invited to review the tips below and use them as a guide as you receive care and treatment. Making healthier choices together will benefit all of us.

We encourage you and your family to become part of the patient safety team, by being fully informed and actively involved in your or your child’s care.

What does your involvement in patient safety mean to you and your family? For instance, it means:

we need you to provide detailed information about your or your child’s condition.
that you should clearly understand your diagnosis and treatment plan and know what to expect.
keeping us informed of any changes in your or your child’s condition, good or bad, such as an allergic reaction to a drug.
we want you to speak up when you have a question about any aspect of your or your child’s care.

We hope you will read on.

Here are a few other things to consider:

Don't be afraid to ask questions if you have doubts or concerns: Feel free to Speak up! We want you to understand your or your child’s treatment.

Involve your loved ones: Keep your loved ones informed about your plan of care.

Make sure you and all caregivers are clear about what medications you or your child should take: Be sure to tell your caregivers about all medications, including non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal remedies. When you receive a prescription, make sure it is the right medication and the right dose

Infection: Don't pass it on! : Don't be afraid to remind friends, family and healthcare providers to wash and sanitize their hands before coming into direct contact with you or your child.

Having Surgery? Feel free to ask lots of questions. We have information that will help you to understand what will happen before surgery and how the doctors and nurses will take action to make sure that everything goes as planned.

Know what to do after you get home: Make sure you understand what is expected when at home and that you know who to call if you have further questions once you get home.