Your Health and Safety

Below are steps you can take to become an involved and informed participant in your safe care:

• Check for proper identification. Make sure that the name and date of birth on your wristband are yours and that your name is spelled correctly.
• Report pain promptly and engage in discussion about pain relief options with your physician or nurse.
• Provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information regarding your present condition, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to your health.
• Ask questions if you do not understand your care or treatment and follow the plan of care.
• Express any concerns about your ability to follow the treatment plan and every effort will be made to adapt the plan to your needs. When change of the plan is clinically possible, you are responsible for understanding the results of the treatment alternatives and of not following the proposed treatment plan.
• Adults in Massachusetts have the right to accept or refuse medical treatment, including life-sustaining treatment. This means that you have the right to request or consent to treatment, to refuse treatment before it has started and to have treatment stopped once it has begun.
• Prior to any lab work, test or procedure, ask the healthcare professional to verify your name and date of birth. Expect all healthcare workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room or provide a test or treatment. Look for their identification badge. If you have concerns, ask your nurse.
• Ask questions if you have any doubts or concerns with your care. Do not feel embarrassed to ask questions if you do not understand something that your physician, nurse or healthcare professional tells you. Do not hesitate to speak up if you think a healthcare professional has you confused with someone else.
• Educate yourself about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Read all medical forms thoroughly and make sure you understand them before you sign the form. If something is unclear, ask your physician or nurse to explain. Make sure that you and your physician agree on exactly what will be done during your hospitalization. If you are having surgery, your surgeon will mark the appropriate site before surgery.
• Know your medications and why you take them. Keep and bring a list of all medicines you take and the dosage (prescription, over-the-counter and herbal) to the hospital. Know why you take each medication.
• Always make sure you are receiving the correct medications. If you do not recognize a medication, verify that it is for you. Do not hesitate to tell the nurse or physician if you think you have been given the wrong medication.
• Make sure your nurse or physician checks your wristband and asks your name before giving you any medication or treatment. Ask the purpose of all medications and information on possible side effects and interactions.
• Tell your physician and nurse about any allergies or unusual reactions you have to any medications.
• Report perceived risks in your care and unexpected changes in your condition to the physician or healthcare professional.
• Participate in all decisions about your care. Know who will be taking care of you. Do not hesitate to ask for a second opinion if you feel unsure about any recommendation you receive. Be sure that you receive the results of any test or procedure you have done. Prior to discharge, make sure that you understand all the instructions for your follow-up care.
• Additionally, you are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and for observing hospital regulations affecting patient care and conduct. Our highly-valued staff is dedicated to a challenging and demanding profession of tending to your health needs and the health needs of others. We ask that you treat them with courtesy as they work to provide quality care to all.
• You are responsible to fulfill financial obligations as promptly as possible.