Patient and Visitor Guide
Patient Safety
At Clinton Memorial Hospital, safety is everyone’s responsibility,
including our patients and visitors. We want to make sure that
we are always maintaining a safe environment and delivering the highest
standard of care to our patients and there are a few ways that you can help.
Important Guidelines to Follow
- If you don’t know the name of the person caring for you, ask them their name and look for identification.
- Ask questions if you don’t understand something about a procedure that is being done or a medication you are taking. Those caring for you should be able to explain what is being done and why, the name of the medication, and the dose you are taking.
- Ask about the location of the nearest exits, fire extinguishers and what to do in an emergency.
- Ask your nurse to teach you how to operate things in your room like your bed, TV, call button and telephone.
- Follow directions you receive about asking for help when getting into and out of bed and when moving from one place to another. Patients are often a little less steady when they are taking some medications or are just recovering from a medical procedure and it’s ok to ask for help.
- If something is in your way in your room or has spilled on the floor, be sure and tell your nurse so they can help remove the item or spill.
- Wear slippers or socks with non-skid soles when walking in the hospital.
- Use your call button if you need assistance and wait for someone to come before getting out of bed.
- Keep your call button, TV remote, telephone and other things that you will likely use frequently within easy reach. Ask for help bringing them closer if you need it.
What to Do With Valuables
All valuables should be left at or sent home. Valuables can include jewelry, wedding bands, money, credit cards, keys and cell phones. You will not always be in your room and will not be able to watch them or have them with you. If valuables are brought to the hospital and no one can take them home for you, you should request that they be secured in the hospital’s locked safe. The hospital is not responsible for valuables brought to the hospital and kept in your room.
