SAFETY ISSUES

• Patient Falls
• Patient Identification Wristband
• Smoking Policy
• Handgun Policy

• Pets
• Safety Drills
• Security

We at Lincoln Park Hospital are committed to providing quality care.  Part of quality care is safeguarding against accidental falls.  Falls may occur because of medications such as sleeping pills, pain relievers, tranquilizers, blood pressure medications, or diuretics that have the potential to cause dizziness or disorientation.

Illness, enemas, laxatives, long periods without food or certain medical procedures may cause weakness and unsteadiness. The unfamiliarity of the hospital, (especially at night), poor vision, or the necessity for use of an assisted ambulation device can create more difficulty getting around in the hospital than at home.

Some potential falls, such as those associated with illness, require special care if they are to be avoided. By following the guidelines below, you, your family and friends can help reduce the risk of falling.

• Ask the nurse for help if you feel dizzy or weak getting out of bed. Remember, you are more likely to faint or feel dizzy after sitting or lying for long periods of time. If you must get up without waiting for help, sit up in bed before standing, rise carefully and slowly begin to walk.
• Please be sure you can use and reach your call light.
• An emergency call button is located in your bathroom. Please do not attempt to leave the bathroom unassisted if you feel weak.
• It is important to remain lying or seated while waiting for assistance. Though minutes may feel like hours, please be patient; someone will answer your call as soon as possible.
• Keeping the phone and personal items near you will help you reach them readily.
• Be aware of obstacles such as telephone cords, IV or oxygen tubing, and electrical cords.
• Side rails are reminders to stay in bed and are designed to ensure your safety and protection.
• Please wear non-skid and low-heeled slippers whenever you walk in the hospital. If you did not bring slippers, notify your caregiver so slippers can be provided.
• Always follow your physician orders and the nurses’ instructions regarding whether you must stay in bed, require assistance, etc.

NOTE: Because hospital staff members cannot remain constantly at a patient’s side, arrangements may be made for a family a family member or sitter to stay with a patient. For assistance in making arrangements, contact your charge nurse.

Please do not remove your patient identification wristband. To ensure that all medications, treatments, and tests are administered to the correct patient, hospital staff is instructed to double check that the name on the patient order matches the name on the patient's wristband.

For the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff, Lincoln Park Hospital has adopted a smoke-free policy. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the hospital.

No pets are permitted in the hospital other than seeing-eye dogs.

Safety drills are conducted periodically. If you hear an alarm or see flashing "Fire" lights, stay where you are until hospital personnel give you instructions.

For security purposes, the front lobby doors are locked at 12 p.m. If for any reason a family member is in the hospital after regular visiting hours, they may contact a staff member to page Security for assistance out of the building.