What is UM Health-West doing to improve patient safety?
- Every employee at UM Health-West Hospital is dedicated to providing a safe place to receive health care.
- UM Health-West takes action to be compliant with the National Patient Safety Goals created by the Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum’s Safe Practices for Hospitals.
- Our Medication Safety Team develops processes to meet standards from the Institute of Safe Medication Practices to ensure safe medication administration.
- UM Health-West takes safety seriously because we care about you.
How can you help us make your health care safer?
- Ask questions if you have concerns or do not understand something.
- Work with your doctor and health care team. Be able to provide your health history and up-to-date information.
- Bring a list of every medication you are taking. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.
- If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
- Tell your doctor and health care team about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had in the past.
- If you do not understand why your physician has ordered tests and treatments, ask for an explanation.
- Ask for the results of tests and procedures. No news is not necessarily good news. Ask what the results mean for you.
- Become an informed health care customer. Learn about your illnesses or conditions. If you don’t understand your treatment plan, ask questions.
- Do what your doctor suggests. Ask for information in writing and make sure you can read and understand it.
- Include a family member or friend in your care. Take them with you to appointments to help you understand and follow your care plan.
- When in doubt…ASK! We believe safe health care is a partnership.
What should you do if you have a safety concern?
- Tell any UM Health-West Hospital employee or doctor right away.
- If your concern is not addressed, ask to speak to the person in charge.
- Contact the Quality Management Department Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm by calling 616.252.7231.
Sometimes patients have trouble adjusting to the hospital environment. They may become confused or display behaviors that are unsafe. Our goal is to provide a setting that is as safe as possible during the hospital stay. We have found that having family members or friends and patient companions present can prevent or discourage unwanted behaviors. This also can help patients feel more comfortable with their surroundings. We feel it is important to partner with family members to determine each patient’s needs. Family members are also more knowledgeable about pre-hospital behaviors and can be a valuable part of a patient’s recovery. We welcome your help in assuring the safety of your loved one.
It is very important that you tell the nurse caring for your loved one if you are not able to stay with the patient, even if you are just visiting. Please put the call light on before leaving. Do not leave the patient alone.
Thank you for your help and concern!