Patient Safety
Please familiarise yourself with the following information on patient safety.
Avoiding falls
Stay safe and prevent yourself from falling by observing the following:
- Call, don’t fall!
- Ask for help when you are having difficulty – staff are always available if you need help getting about. Use the call bell.
- Environment
- Familiarise yourself with your room, the bathroom, furniture and lighting. Take care when moving around.
- Vision
- Remember to bring and wear your glasses.
- Medication
- Your medications may affect your balance or vision. Discuss any concerns with the pharmacist, doctor or nurse.
- Keep active
- Walk carefully, take your time and watch for any obstacles. Use your usual walking aids and always tell us if you are feeling dizzy or if you are worried about walking on your own.
- Footwear
- Bring and wear low heeled, non-slip footwear that fits well. If you are wearing compression stockings always wear your slippers.
If you’re worried talk to us
Stay safe and speak up if you or your family have questions or concerns by observing the following:
Speak with a doctor or nurse and state that you are worried and you think something might be wrong. They will listen to your concerns and explain the day’s treatment plan and aims of care.
If you feel that your concern has not been resolved ask for the nurse in charge and explain what is worrying you. The nurse in charge will listen to you and your concerns will be addressed.
If you remain worried call (03) 9594 5167 at any time. A senior member of the hospital team will respond to your concerns. This is the Hospital Coordinator
Hand hygiene – just ask!
Stay safe and prevent infection by washing your hands often and well. This also includes family and friends, nurses and doctors.
During your stay, please help us fight the spread of infection. It’s okay to ask a staff member to clean their hands before attending to you.
The importance of moving Move! Move! Move!
Stay safe and maintain safe movement whilst you are in hospital. We encourage movement to reduce the risk of developing pressure injuries. A pressure injury is an area of skin that has been damaged due to unrelieved and prolonged pressure.
- Keep active, regularly change how you sit or lie, even small body shifts help.
- Avoid sitting up in bed for long periods, this puts pressure on your tailbone.
- Ease sore spots with an air mattress, cushions, pillows or booties.
- Staff will help if you cannot manage these things yourself.
