Keep Safe in the Healthcare System

When you find yourself as a patient in any healthcare system (hospital, clinic) act as your own advocate. Speak up and ask questions if you don't understand something thoroughly. If you have that "gut" feeling that something just doesn't seem right/correct, speak up. If you take friends or family with you to appointments or hospital admissions prepare them to also do the same for you when you can't speak, are asleep or under anesthesia. Ask providers to wash their hands. Make sure paperwork and computer information has your name and correct info on it. Ask pharmacists, nurses and doctors to explain anything and everything .... and maybe re-explain medications and procedures. Make sure you sign permissions to perform invasive procedures on you. Ask lots of questions until you are a well informed patient. Be a team member with your medical team.