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Patient & Hospital Safety

Patient Safety

The hospital staff and physicians who practice at West Feliciana Parish Hospital are committed to meeting your healthcare needs and providing a safe environment. You and your family are important to us. In order to provide safe patient care, we encourage you to participate in your care by “Speaking Up” and asking questions regarding your diagnosis, medications and treatment plan, or anything you do not understand about your care.

Here are a few tips for safety in the hospital and at home.

Hospital Safety and Security

Be aware of your surroundings.

Inform your nurse and physician of any safety or security concern or suggestion.

Fire Safety

Tobacco use is not permitted at the hospital. For help quitting smoking, call American Lung Association (1-800-586- 4872) or Quit Louisiana (1-800-784-8669).

Safe Use of Medicines

Before taking any medication, inform your healthcare professional of any allergies you have to medications or food. Describe what happens or what reactions you have experienced due to your allergy. People who have allergies to common substances may be more likely to develop side effects to medications.

It is very important to inform your healthcare professional of all medicines you are taking including laxatives, sinus medications, cough and cold remedies, aspirin, or over the counter pain relievers.

Medication Safety Reminders

Read labels carefully and follow directions. Know the use of each medicine, when to take it, how often, and how to take it—for example, with or without food.

Read the instructions provided by your pharmacist when filling prescriptions. Instructions also include how each medicine works in your body, possible side effects, and what to do if they occur.

Do not stop taking medications ordered by your physician until complete.

Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have concerns about medications you are taking, including missed doses, side effects, reactions, or possible interactions with other drugs and foods.

Keep all medications out of reach of children. Never take medicine in the dark; it is possible to take the wrong one.

Do not take prescriptions belonging to others. Keep all medicines in their original containers, tightly closed. Store medications in a cool, dry place such as a kitchen cabinet. Avoid medicine cabinets in bathrooms; they may get too moist and warm.

If directions call for refrigerator keep cool, but do not freeze.

Home Safety

Avoid the use of extension cords stretched across the floor and use according to manufacturer’s directions.

Avoid the use of slippery throw rugs on the floor.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your kitchen.

Practice fire drills at home.

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