Everyone has a role in making health care safe - physicians, healthcare executives, nurses, and technicians.  Your health care safety is a priority at St. John's.  You, as the patient, and your family play a vital role in making your care safe by becoming an active, involved, and informed member of your health team.

 SPEAK UP!

 

• Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again.
• Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don't assume anything.
• Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
• Know what medications you take and why you take them.
• Use a hospital that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards, such as those approved by the Joint Commission.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team!