Patient Safety

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Patient Safety

Simple steps to keep you safe during your stay at hospital

Keeping you safe and well whilst under our care is the most important thing to us.

There are also some little things you can do to help keep you safe during your stay in hospital.

Always ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you need a little help talking to someone or need something from your family or a friend, then please let us know.

Our nurses and doctors are here to answer any questions you have.

Make us aware of any allergies

Please tell us if you have any bad reactions such as a rash or breathing problems to things such as medicines, gloves, plasters or even foods!

Tell us about your medicines

Let us know if you have brought any medicines into hospital with you such as pain killers, vitamins or supplements.

This is very important as they can sometimes react with new medicines or treatments you might be given.

Also tell us if you have any medical alert cards or use any devices, for example, an insulin pump.

Ask if you don’t understand your medicines

Please ask us if you don’t understand what any new medicines are for and why you need to take them, or if you have questions about any possible side effects.

Help prevent blood clots

• Take short walks, if you are able to
• Do simple leg and ankle exercises
• Drink plenty of water, or other fluids, unless you have been told your not to
• You might also need to have fancy stockings and even injections to thin your blood.

Preventing pressure ulcers

• Make sure you move around the bed unless you have been asked not to
• Ask us to help you move if you find it difficult
• We can also get you a special mattress or cushion if you need them.

Protect yourself from slips and falls

• Always walk don’t run!
• Wear the rights kind of footwear, such as snug fitting slippers or shoes with rubber soles, such as trainers
• Use any walking aid you normally use
• Wear your glasses and hearing aids if you have them
• Ask a member of staff to help if you need any support.

Help prevent infections

• Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before all meals
• Ask staff, your family, friends, and your visitors to wash their hands before they have contact with you
• Tell us right away if you have any diarhoea or vomiting
• Let us know if any tubes or needles attached to you become uncomfortable.

Make sure you:

• Have a copy of your hospital discharge letter and any follow up appointments
• Have been given any medicines to take at home; and you know what they’re for and how to take them
• Know who to speak to if you have any further questions

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: 560