Patient Safety

Patient safety is very important to Salina Regional Health Center. Many precautions are in place at all times to help insure the safety of patients and visitors at the hospital.

Staff Infection Control Measures

To prevent the spread of germs, patient care staff will use personal protective equipment, such as face covers, gloves or gowns. Frequent hand washing is practiced.

Patient/Visitor Infection Control Measures

You can reduce the risk of catching colds, flu and other unwanted germs. The single-most important step you can take to prevent the spread of germs is by washing your hands before and after contact with another person. Wash with warm running water with soap vigorously for at least 10 seconds. Use friction to cover all hand surfaces, finger tips and nails and rinse thoroughly. Then, dry with a paper towel. Hand gel disinfectants located in rooms may also be used.

Family and friends should not visit hospital patients if they have any symptom of cold or flu, diarrhea, or skin infection. Family and friends should also refrain from visiting if they have been exposed to any illness or disease that can easily be passed to others, such as chicken pox.

Constant Communication

One of the best ways to maintain safety is by constantly asking questions and giving information. Patients will continually be asked questions like: What is your name? May I see your armband? Do you have any allergies?

All of this receptiveness helps to ensure each patient is receiving the right medication, at the right time, and helps patients understand how their therapy plans are being carried out.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

Patients can be involved in promoting their own safety and learning about their individual health by simply asking questions. We encourage you (or a friend or relative) to ask questions and you can expect answers that you can understand.

Taking time to ask questions and understand the information we give you will make you knowledgeable about the progression of your recovery.

Medications, Vitamins, Herbals

When you are admitted, you will be asked about the medications you have been taking at home, including vitamins, diet aids, health supplements, herbals, etc. Your doctor will review this list of medications.

All personal medicine brought in by the patient or family should be sent home with a family member. Salina Regional will provide medications for patients while in the hospital.

Fire Drills

You may hear a fire drill announced over the public address system during your stay. Do not be alarmed. This is a practice drill to alert our personnel of what they should do for fire prevention. In the event of a real fire, hospital staff will direct patients on how to react. Please stay in your room unless told otherwise.

Preventing Falls

Patients may feel dizzy or light headed from medicine or long periods of rest. Trying to get out of bed without help could cause a fall. We want you to ask for help before you get out of bed. You should not try to get out of bed if the side rails are up. Visitors should not raise or lower the side rails. They have been placed with the patient's safety in mind.

The hospital's patient lift system is commonly used by staff to prevent patient falls. If you do fall and are unattended by hospital personnel, please be sure to tell your nurse or any other person caring for you.

Personal Electrical Appliances

Electrical items brought from home cannot be used unless authorized by staff. If you have brought a radio, electric razor, hair dryer or other small appliance please notify nursing staff so that they can have it inspected to make sure it is not a fire hazard.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited on all hospital owned property. This includes outdoor sitting areas, parking lots and garages, personal vehicles on hospital property and any location on the grounds of hospital facilities. Patients who use tobacco should notify their nurse for assistance.

Alcohol/Unauthorized Drugs

The use of alcohol, or drugs not ordered by your physician is not allowed at the hospital. Their use could delay your recovery or cause serious problems to your health.