Patient safety
Everyone has a role in making health care safe – our doctors, nurses and staff all take part in patient safety.
You can help by being an active, involved and informed member of your health care team.
Help make your care a good experience:
-
Speak up with questions and concerns. Health care words are hard to understand; make sure you ask questions when you are not sure of something.
-
Expect our team members to introduce themselves. Look for identification badges. It is okay to ask for care team IDs if you don't know who they are.
-
Make sure your health care team checks your wristband and asks your name before providing care or treatment.
-
Pay attention to your care. Tell the team if you think you're about to get the wrong medicine or treatment.
-
Educate yourself about your health condition. Ask for written information about your illness, tests and treatments.
-
Read all medical forms. Understand them before you sign. Your doctor or nurse can explain the forms as needed.
-
Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate to ask questions you may not think of.
-
If you don't understand because you speak another language, ask for someone who speaks your language.
- Know the medications your take and why you take them. If you do not recognize a medication, verify it is for you.
- Participate in all decisions about your care and treatment. You are the center of the health care team.
As always, if you have concerns with your safety or care team, tell your advocate or a care team member you trust so we can make adjustments. Marshfield Medical Center wants you to feel comfortable and safe during your entire stay.
Rapid response team
This hospital has a rapid response team (RRT) available 24 hours a day. Your provider may call the RRT if your condition is suddenly worsening.
The RRT brings additional expertise to your bedside.
If you are a visitor and believe a patient has a sudden change in his or her condition, notify nursing staff immediately.
Therapy services
Marshfield Clinic provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services:
-
Occupational
-
Physical
-
Respiratory
-
Speech and language
Ask your doctor for a referral.
How to prevent falls
If you are at risk for falling, you and your family can help.
-
Keep phone and call light in easy reach.
-
Call for help to get up or use the bathroom.
-
Wear glasses or hearing aids if you have them.
-
Wear slippers or shoes with heel support and non-skid bottoms.
-
Take your time to get up and move slowly.
- Let your nurse know if you feel dizzy, weak or light-headed.
-
Walk close to a wall and use handrails.
-
Use assistive devices like a walker or cane.
Infection control
Learn what you can do and what we are doing to prevent infection.
How you can prevent infection
Washing your hands is one of the most important steps to avoid spreading germs.
You can use soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer. Both effectively clean your hands.
Wash your hands:
-
Before touching or eating food
-
After going to the bathroom or touching urine, stool or body fluids
-
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
-
Before and after touching a wound
You can also help prevent infection by asking visitors who are ill to come back when they are healthy. Visitors with a fever, cough, runny nose or sneezing should not visit you in the hospital.
How we try to prevent infection
You should see all providers clean their hands before and after they care for you. Don't be afraid to ask your health care provider if they have cleaned their hands at the sink or with sanitizer.
We also take special precautions to stop the spread of germs. A sign on your door lets care team members and visitors know what precautions to take before entering your room. They may wear a mask, gown and gloves.
