Safety


McKenzie Health System has dedicated significant human and financial resources to maintaining a high standard of patient safety. The McKenzie Health System Safety Committee and Quality Committee continually work on improvements in this area.

However, just as important as the hospital’s efforts to improve quality of care and patient safety, are the efforts of our patients. McKenzie Health System welcomes our patients to join our health care team as active partners. First and foremost, patients need to understand their medical condition and the medications and procedures used to treat it. As a patient, if you do not understand something about the care being provided, we welcome you to ask questions at any time.  We will answer any questions you have to the best of our ability.

Accuracy of Patient Identification

Two distinct forms of patient identification are checked every time a health care provider interacts with a patient. All tests, treatments, and procedures are discussed with the patient by asking if he or she knows the reason for the procedure.  Further safety precautions are conducted such as comparing diagnostic studies with your ID bracelet, and ensuring that all consent forms are completed accurately and legibly.

Safety Involving Medications

Special care is taken with drugs that may look alike, or whose names may sound alike. And, of course, all medications, containers, and solutions are clearly labeled – regardless of where they are in the hospital.  Careful identification is completed when a patient is given any medication so that you can be assured you will be given the right dose of the right medication at the right time.

All of the medications a patient is taking upon hospital admission will be documented and reviewed when you come to the hospital. An accurate list of those medications will be shared with the health professionals providing your care. Upon discharge from the hospital, a complete medication list is given to each patient.

Reducing the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections

McKenzie Health System complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hand hygiene guidelines and other infection prevention activities. While you are in the hospital, we encourage you to take an active part, as well, in protecting yourself from infection in the following ways:

  • Ask everyone who comes to see you or treat you to wash their hands first. This includes your friends and family.
  • Ask your friends and family not to visit you if they are not feeling well.  A phone call can be a good substitute for a personal visit.
  • If recommended, get vaccinated!  Flu, pneumonia, and other vaccines help to prevent illness – particularly in young children, the elderly, and other people who are at high risk for infection.

Preventing Patient Falls

Any risks for falls while at the hospital are constantly evaluated in order to take action quickly. Patients that require close monitoring for falls are placed into our fall reduction program, to assure their safety.  This program, if needed, is explained thoroughly to the patient and their family.   

For every patient, we recommend that you do the following:

  • Take care when moving from your bed or walking down hospital hallways, especially at night.
  • Make sure you always have adequate light to see.
  • Make sure you know the location of, and know how to use, the nurse "call" button. Feel free to ask for help in getting to the bathroom before the need becomes urgent.
  • If you have eyeglasses, make sure they are kept close by so that you can put them on when you need them.
  • Wear slippers, or shoes, with rubber soles when walking in the hospital.
  • Make sure the brakes are locked before you get into or out of a wheelchair.