Patient safety priority at Winneshiek Medical Center

Everyone has a role in making health care safe — physicians, health care administrators, nurses and technicians. The patient can also play a vital role in making health care safe by becoming an active, involved and informed member of the health care team.

National Patient Safety Week (March 7-13) brings awareness to patient safety and the vital role patients play in their care. Winneshiek Medical Center joins in the national movement, "Let's Talk: Healthy Conversations for Safer Healthcare" alongside the National Patient Safety Foundation.

Linda Klimesh, RN, BSN, chief nursing officer of Winneshiek Medical Center and patient safety champion says, "Winneshiek Medical Center health care providers and staff encourage patients or patient advocates to speak up if they have questions or concerns, and if they don't understand, to ask again." Speaking to patients, she says, "It's your body and you have a right to know. Your health is too important to worry about being embarrassed if you don't understand something that your doctor, nurse or other health care professional tells you. Please don't be afraid to ask about safety or to tell the nurse or the doctor if you think something doesn't seem quite right."

Klimesh also advises patients to ask a trusted family member or friend to be their advocate. An advocate can ask questions that the patient may not think of while under stress. An advocate can also help remember answers to questions, and speak up if the patient cannot. She says, "In addition to helping you process and remember the details of your care, make sure your advocate understands your preferences for care and your wishes concerning resuscitation and life support."

Klimesh also suggests these tips to promote patient safety in the health care setting:

•Notice if your health care provider washes his or her hands. If not, ask him or her to do so.
•Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.
•Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand them before you sign anything.
•Make sure you are familiar with the operation of any equipment that is being used in your care.
•Know what medications you take and why you take them, including herbal supplements.
•Write down any questions you have before your appointment so you do not forget to ask.

Winneshiek Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission, which involves rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards. For more information on Winneshiek Medical Center quality data, contact the Winneshiek Medical Center Quality Management Department at 563.382.2911.