As a patient, you are the most important member of the healthcare team. Your role in listening, learning and asking questions will help us to provide you with safe and quality care.
Be SAFE…It’s your health. Your voice makes a difference
S - Speak up
Let your healthcare provider, or the manager of the service know if anything does not seem right, or if you have concerns. You are the expert on you.
A – Ask questions
Make sure your healthcare provider explains your care so that you understand. Your voice will be heard and respected.
F – Family or friends
With your permission, family and friends can be with you for support and to ask questions on your behalf, especially when you are not feeling well.
E – Educate yourself
Learn about your condition.
- What are your treatment options?
- How can you improve your health?
- Know the medications you are on.
- Keep a list of these medicines with you
- Know the name of your doctor, and who will take their place when they are away.
Take part in your care
You can help to make sure your experience is as safe as possible. Be aware of the following three areas of risk: medications, falls and infections.
Medications
What medications are you using?
Carry a current list of medications you are on, and explain why you are on them. Include the medication name, dosage and how often you take them. Also include herbal medicines, eye drops, patches, inhalers, vitamins, etc.
We should know your name.
Make sure your healthcare provider identifies you correctly by your name before giving you any medication.
Do you have allergies?
Let your health care provider know about allergies or bad reactions to medication you may have.What does this medication do?Ask what the medication is that you are being given, and what it is used for.
Do you know this medicine?
Let us know if medications look different from those you were taking at home or in hospital.
What medications should you be taking after discharge from hospital?
Ask for a list of all medicines you are supposed to be taking. Also, ask if you will need a prescription.
Do you have questions after discharge?
Ask your family physician if you have any concerns about your medication after you have been discharged from hospital.
Falls
Can you reach the bell?
If you need help to use the bathroom or to sit or stand up, please ask for it.
Please ask for help.
If you need help to use the bathroom or sit and stand up, please ask for it.
Are you wearing slippers?
Wear slippers with non skid soles that fit properly.
Do you need assistance getting up?
Some medications can make you sleepy, dizzy, or weak. Ask for help before getting up from the bed or chair.
Infections
Are your hands clean?
Proper hand washing is the best way to prevent infections.
Are their hands clean?
Make sure family and visitors all wash hands before entering and leaving your room.
Are our hands clean?
Ask your healthcare provider to wash their hands before providing you with care.
Mom always said: “cover your mouth”.
Please cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and throw it in the garbage. If you have to cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow. Don’t forget to wash your hands when you are done.
Have you finished your medication?
If you are taking antibiotics for an infection, finish all of it as directed, even if you are already feeling better.
Patients First …
…Safety Always!
Our commitment to patient safety starts with you…
- knowing that you are safe, and trusting our services
- being fully informed and understanding your treatment
- participating in the care process and making decisions on healthcare options
- feeling that you are heard and respected
Contact Us
We welcome your feedback about your experience. Please share it with a member of your healthcare team. You may also send comments to the Client Representative at:
Phone: 766-3232 (in Regina)
Phone: 1-866-411-7272 (outside Regina)
Email: client.representative@rqhealth.ca
Thank you for being part of the team, and in helping us keep you safe.
