We Welcome You To Take Part In Every Decision About Your Healthcare

At St. Vincent Charity Hospital, your health is our top priority. Your involvement is valued here. One way we can assure that you get the very best care is by working together. We take every step possible to provide excellent care and prevent errors. In fact, you can rest assured that our safety record is outstanding.

We encourage patients, and their loved ones, to take an active role in the healthcare process. We listen to our patients. We respect them. We believe that by working together with our patients, they will receive the best in healthcare.

Medications

• Tell your doctor about every medication you are taking, including herbal supplements and vitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you have allergies or reactions to any medication.
• Make sure you can read your doctor’s handwriting on your prescriptions.
• Ask your doctor for information about your medication – in words that you can understand. Don’t be shy about asking questions. It is your right and responsibility to gain a complete understanding. Also, get the following in writing:


• What is the medication for?
• How should it be taken and for how long? 
• What are the likely side effects?
• What should you do if they occur?
• Is the medication safe to take with other pills, herbs and vitamins?


• When you pick up your medication from the pharmacist, ask if it is what your doctor ordered.
• Ask the pharmacist if a special dispenser is required to accurately measure liquid medications.
• If you do not understand the directions on the bottle or how to use the medicine, ask questions until you do.

Hospital Stays

• If you have a choice, choose a hospital where many patients have already had the procedure or surgery you need.
• Ask all Caregivers involved in your care if they have washed their hands. You will not offend them.
• When a nurse brings your medication, ask what each pill is for. If you do not recognize a medication, ask the nurse to please check again to make sure that it is for you.
• When you are ready to come home, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home. This includes learning about your medicines and the activities in which you are allowed to participate.

Surgery

We welcome you to make sure that everyone involved – you, your doctor, nurse and surgeon – all agree and are clear about exactly what will be done. Surgery mistakes are rare, but can happen. The good news is that you can prevent this from happening by talking with everyone involved in your care.

General Medical Care

No matter what procedure you are having, you have the right to:

• Speak up if you have a question or a concern.
• Make sure someone, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of your care. This is important if you have multiple health problems or if you are in the hospital.
• Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you. Do not assume that everyone will know everything about you. Know that “more” is not always better. Ask your Caregivers why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you.
• Ask a family member or friend to be present. In addition to having a second pair of ears to listen to instructions, this “advocate” can speak on your behalf, if needed. This person can help get things done and speak up for you if you cannot. Even if you think you do not need help now, you may later.
• Ask about test results. Don’t assume no news is good news.
• Learn about your condition and treatment choices. Ask your doctor and nurse for information and use other reliable sources such as the library as well. Always discuss what you find on the Internet with your doctor.
• Research treatment recommendations based on the latest studies that are available from the National Guidelines Clearinghouse at www.guideline.gov. Check out these reliable web sites for more health information:
• www.cancernet.nci.nih.gov
• www.healthfinder.gov
• www.netwellness.com
• www.merck.com/pubs (click on home edition)
• www.webmd.com (This site includes a way to check your medications for possible drug interactions.)