Patient Safety

Stay Safe And Sound In The Hospital And At Home

Valley West Community Hospital is serious about your safety. Every day we check and double check the hundreds of items necessary to deliver high-quality care. In addition to our routine safety checks, we continually examine our procedures, looking for ways of doing things better and more safely.

Numerous safety activities occur daily. For example, medications are scrutinized to make sure they are given correctly to the right patient and will not interact with other medications. Each patient is assessed daily for his or her fall risk and extra safety measures are taken for patients at high risk of failing. We have in place procedures that ensure correct patient identification, surgeries are happening as planned, medications are being given as ordered, and medical equipment is functioning correctly.

VWCH is surveyed by the JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) every three years. The JCAHO provides hospitals with survey guidelines and standards that must be achieved in order to become and remain a successfully accredited organization. The process focuses on systems critical to the safety and quality of care, treatment, and services provided by the hospitals. VWCH received accreditation in December 2003 and will be surveyed again in 2006. The survey for 2006 will be unannounced but any member of the public wishing to communicate a quality of care or safety concern about VWCH that has not been resolved by the hospital is welcome to contact the JCAHO Office of Quality Monitoring at (800) 994-6610 or by e-mail at complaint@jcaho.org.

The KishHealth System is pleased to comply with the Illinois Hospital Report Card Act. To request nurse staffing information please obtain a request form from the Medical Records Department during normal business hours or from the Hospital Supervisor when the Medical Records Department is closed.

Patient’s Role In Hospital Safety

The consumer also has a role in maintaining safety both at home and if hospitalized. When in the hospital, safety basics include:

• Using your call light when needing assistance
• Asking questions when you don’t understand something
• Knowing what medications you are taking and the procedures you will be having
• Checking for your caregiver’s identification badge
• Following directions
• Not smoking. If you are a smoker, we can provide you with information to help you make a decision about quitting
• Download and prepare your Health History form below.

Documents in English
	Universal Patient Information form

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Safety At Home

According to a recent study conducted by the Home Safety Council, 5.6 million injuries and thousands of fatalities resulted from slips and falls in the home during the year studied. Simple ways to maintain safety at home include:

• Securing a hand-rail or banister on all stairs
• Lighting all porches, hallways and stairwells
• Keeping stairs and floor space clear of any items including cords and throw rugs
• Promptly cleaning up any spilled liquids or grease
• Wearing sturdy and appropriate footwear both indoors and outside will help to keep you safe
• In homes with young children, use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs as well as window guards to prevent falls
• Bathroom hazards. Bathrooms are safer when using non-slip mats or safety adhesives in the tub and shower. Installing grab bars in the shower and tub will make bathing safer
• Taking medicine at home. Follow your medication dosages closely. Using multiple medications or using medications incorrectly may lead to dizziness, weakness and other side effects. These can all lead to a dangerous fall or other injuries. Check with your physician if you are taking multiple medications and are concerned about your safety.

If you are concerned about your safety at home and being able to get help when needed, VWCH can put you in touch with the Lifeline Personal Response Service. Call (815) 756-1521, Ext. 8355

Patient's Role in Medication Therapy

As the patient, you play an important role in your medication therapy. Never hesitate to ask questions concerning your medications. You will have the best results from your medication if you take it as instructed by your physician and pharmacist. You should ask your physician and/or pharmacist the following questions when a new medication has been prescribed:

• What is the name and strength of the medication?
• Which medical condition(s) is the medication for?
• How should I take the medication?
• What are the common side effects of the medication?
• Can my prescription be refilled and if so how many times?
• Is it safe to drink alcoholic beverages with the medication?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• How should the medication be stored?
• Is a generic brand of the medication available?
• Does the medication interact with over-the-counter drug products that I have at home or other prescription medications I am taking?