Patient Safety

Taking an Active Role in Your Health Care!

Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital’s primary goal is to provide you with the highest quality care to achieve your best possible health. This goal can best be met by working together. 

Preventing Treatment Problems

Good clear communication is vital to keep every patient safe. Issues can arise when an incorrect plan of care is followed.

By asking and answering questions about your health status, diagnosis, and treatment plan, you assist the healthcare team in providing you with the best health care possible.

It is important that healthcare providers know your identity. Check the information on your hospital ID band for accuracy.

There may be more than one patient with the same name, so check your ID number and date of birth.

If your ID band becomes illegible or is removed, please request a new band.

• Whenever you are given medications, leave the unit for a test or procedure, or have blood drawn, offer your ID band to the staff for them to check as you state your name.
• A well-informed patient can help doctors and nurses provide excellent care. The patient and family should know as much about treatment as they can. Ask questions about your diagnosis and treatment.
• If you are having surgery make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon agree and are clear on exactly what will be done. You will be asked to participate by marking the area intended to be operated on.

Preventing Falls

Most falls occur when patients try to get out of bed on their own, many while trying to get to the bathroom. It is always safer to ask for help.

How can you prevent falls?

• Ask for assistance from the nursing staff, especially at night.
• Keep your call button near you.
• Report any spills or objects that are on the floor.
• Wear footwear with rubber soles to prevent slipping.
• Make sure that you have adequate light to see. If you wear glasses, keep them within reach.
• Some medications may cause you to frequent the bathroom more often. Work with the nursing staff to schedule time to use the bathroom every two hours. Ask for help before getting up or out of bed.
• Some patients become confused or agitated while in the hospital. Occasionally, protective devices (such as side rails, safety mitts, or vests) may be needed to keep you safe.

Preventing Infection

Germs and bacteria exist in every home, workplace, and hospital. When you are ill or have had surgery, you are more susceptible to infection.

How can you help minimize your risk for infection?

• Remind nurses, therapists, or doctors to wash their hands or wear gloves before examining you.
• Ask family members or friends who have colds or other respiratory symptoms not to visit you in the hospital.
• Check with your doctor to see if you should have a flu or pneumonia vaccine to minimize your risk.
• Some patients may be on "isolation" precaution medication to either protect them from getting infections or from spreading infection. If you are on these precautions, ask your doctor what you can do to help.

Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent spreading illness.

When to Clean Your Hands

• Before and after using the toilet
• Before and after you prepare food
• Before and after you eat
• After touching animals or animal waste
• After you cough or sneeze
• When your hands are dirty

How to Clean Your Hands

• Wet hands with warm water
• Apply soap and rub hands for 15 seconds
• Rinse
• Dry with a paper towel
• Use a towel to turn off the faucet
• or Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer