• Preventing Falls
Fall prevention is important to us and your
safety is our priority . Certain factors can
increase your risk for falling . Let your care
team know if you have a history of falling and
always call for assistance, especially if you
feel lightheaded, weak, or unsteady on your
feet . Your care team will assist you in daily
activities such as personal hygiene, walking,
and getting out of bed .
• Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Lying in bed for long periods of time without
moving can lead to pressure ulcers or
damage to the skin, also called bed sores .
To prevent pressure ulcers, your care team
will help you get out of bed, keep you clean
and dry, and make sure you get enough
nutrition . If you are unable to turn or get
up, they will turn you frequently . Pressure
relieving devices such as foam dressings,
wedges and boots may also be used .
• Hand Hygiene
We require all staff to clean their hands
prior to entering a patient room and before
any hands-on care . Cleaning our hands
is the most important precaution we can
take to prevent the spread of infection . We
encourage families and guests to frequently
clean their hands with the hand rub provided
throughout the hospital . Ask anyone who
has contact with you if they have cleaned
their hands – do not be shy . They will not
mind . Help us by being a partner in
your care!
• Pain Management
Make sure you tell us if you have pain . We want to know so we can control it during your stay .
Additional ways to control pain may include relaxation techniques, hot or cold therapy, and deep
breathing exercises . Please let us know what works best for you so that we can help! You can also
tune to channel 116 on your television, which provides relaxing images and music to help ease
discomfort and pain .
Remember! You are not complaining when you tell us about your pain . Pain relief is important to
your recovery .
0
2
NO HURT
NO PAIN
0
4
HURTS
A LITTLE BIT
MILD
1
2
6
HURTS
A LITTLE MORE
MODERATE
3
4
8
HURTS
EVEN MORE
5
SEVERE
6
10
HURTS
A LOT
7
HURTS WORST
WORST PAIN IMAGINABLE
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9
10
If you or your family have any patient safety concerns or questions during your stay, you are
encouraged to contact the Patient Safety Office at (205) 996-SAFE (7233) or your Patient Advocate
by calling *55 on any hospital phone .
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