Patient safety & care
We care for your safety. Hand hygiene and fall prevention play a major role in the healing process. Learn about important topics, safety tips, and support services available to you during your stay.
Partners & safe care
We are committed to providing high quality, safe and effective care to our patients. Our care team follows a process for safe patient handling using evidence-based best practices to eliminate or limit manual lifting and transferring of patients – decreasing potential injury for both health care providers and patients.
We believe partnering with patients and families is important for patient safety. Be actively involved and informed. You are encouraged to ask questions if you need more information, don’t understand something or have any concerns.
Gather information about your condition. Good sources include your doctor, the library, respected websites, such as atlantichealth.org or support groups. Write down important facts your doctor tells you or questions you want to ask.
Make yourself known
If a band is provided when you are a hospital patient or have an appointment for an outpatient service such as radiology or lab, make sure it has the correct name and birthdate. The team will match your identity by checking your wristband before any medication, care or treatment is given.
Prevent the spread of germs
Handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. We encourage you to ask our team “Have you washed your hands?” Hand sanitizers are located in patient rooms, public waiting areas and hallways. Use them and encourage your visitors to use them, too.
Your care team will wear gloves, gowns and/or masks when they expect contact with your blood or body fluids. This is to prevent the spread of germs. If your condition requires special precautions you will receive further information. Remember to cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue, your sleeve or a piece of clothing.
Manage your medications
Provide a complete list of your medications when you arrive, including medication name, dose, schedule, how taken and the time of your last dose. This list should include over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal medications.
During your visit, you don't recognize a medication, ask your nurse about it. In addition, tell the nurse or doctor if you don’t feel well after taking a medication. Furthermore, if an intravenous or other tubing becomes disconnected, do not try to reconnect, please call the nurse.
Prevent possible falls
Your illness, surgery or medications may increase your risk for falling. For hospital patients, if you are at risk for a fall, you will be given a yellow wristband or a sign may be placed in your room. Call for help before getting out of the bed or chair. Keep the over bed table, phone and call light within your reach. Notify your care team right away of any spill on the floor.
Anticoagulation therapy
Some patients are prescribed an anticoagulant. This medication prevents and reduces risk of blood clots from forming in patients who are at risk. Clots can cause serious and life-threatening complications such as stroke or heart attack.
It is important to continue this medication as long as prescribed by your physician. Ask your physician if you are not sure why you have been prescribed anticoagulation therapy. You should never stop anticoagulation therapy without discussing with the prescribing physician first.
Prevent pressure injuries
It is important that you change your position frequently while lying in a hospital bed or sitting in a chair. If you need assistance, ask your nurse. If you notice any discolored, painful or sore areas, notify your nurse as soon as possible
Hospital patient safety information
Change in condition
If you or your loved one is worried that your condition is declining, let your nurse know right away. The hospital has a team called the Rapid Response Team to help you with your concerns.
Your nurse, you, or your family can call the team if there is a severe change in your condition. Changes may include having a hard time breathing, chest pain, confusion, or heavy bleeding.
How to contact the team: Dial 8888 from a hospital phone. Call the hospital number below:
- Chilton Medical Center: 973-831-5000
- Newton Medical Center: 973-383-2121
- Overlook Medical Center: 908-522-2000
- Morristown Medical Center: 973-971-5000
- Hackettstown Medical Center: 908-852-5100*
At the auto prompt for a patient name or department, say “RRT.” At the auto prompt for “I see more than one option,” say your hospital location.
Let the operator know:
- If you are a patient, family, or caregiver
- If it is for a child (under 18) or adult patient
- Which hospital, department, and room number
The team will respond promptly to thoroughly examine your loved one.
*Calling the Hackettstown main number connects directly to the operator
Safety in surgery
You will be asked to sign an informed consent for your surgery. This means that the doctor has explained the planned procedure, its benefits, risks and alternatives. Be sure you understand everything before you sign and ask questions if you don’t.
For your safety, your care team may ask you the same questions many times, such as:
- “What is your name?”
- “What kind of surgery are you having?”
- “What part of your body is being operated on?”
Hair removal, if needed, will be done using clippers rather than a razor to avoid nicks and cuts that could become infected. Before your surgery, your care team may mark the site on your body to be operated on. This is done for procedures that are side-specific, for example, the left knee, or site-specific, such as the third toe. You are an active participant in assuring that the correct spot is marked.
After your procedure, you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your surgical wound in order to prevent infection.
Preparing to go home
As a patient or family caregiver, there are several steps you can take to help you be a more informed and effective member of your care team during the transition back home after hospitalization. By knowing what to expect and following the instructions below, you may be able to avoid health care complications and even re-hospitalization.
Three things that are very important for a successful transition home after your hospital stay are:
- Understanding what medications you need to take and how to take them — filling prescriptions right away and taking your medications as prescribed
- Understanding and following all care instructions
- Seeing your doctor(s) for follow-up care as soon as possible, if not specifically instructed
Your doctor and/or nurse will discuss this information with you before you leave the hospital. You will receive a complete list of medications you need to take after you leave the hospital as well as written discharge instructions. Be sure all of your questions are answered and that any issues that may interfere with following the instructions are addressed.
Before leaving, ask if you are eligible to receive a flu or pneumonia vaccine.