Patient Safety & Speak Up

RMCHCS is committed to patient safety. Patients have the right to have their needs met and to be informed of their care so they can give the necessary medical information to their health care team. Here are some ways patients and their families can partner with their health care team:

Speak up. It is OK to ask questions and to expect answers that can be understood.
Have a relative, support person or friend present when speaking with a provider. A second pair of ears is always helpful.
Take notes when meeting with members of the health care team.
Keep and up-to-date list of all medications and allergies. This includes both prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplies, such as vitamins and herbs.
When a provider writes a prescription, make sure it can be read and is understood.
Get to know the members on the health care team. Do not hesitate to ask for their names and job titles.
Make sure the identification bracelet is correct and that staff refer to it routinely.

Patient falls are a safety concern and can happen anytime and anywhere. A nurse will ask the patient questions about falling in order to prevent accidental falls. Many falls occur when patients try to get out of bed to go to the bathroom or walk around the room by themselves. Please do not hesitate to ask for help when needing assistance.