If you are hospitalized, you may not be feeling strong enough to take an active role in medication use. Often it's family members who provide the comfort and support needed to promote your return to good health. In either case, you rely on the hospital staff to ensure that medications are administered correctly and on time.
Hospitals are deeply aware of this responsibility to patients and families. They have systems of checks and balances in place to make sure medications are used safely and effectively. Each medication order is checked and double-checked by pharmacy and nursing staff, and medication records are often maintained on computer systems.
Even during this critical time, however, you can do things to help ensure safe medication use. If you are too ill or tired, your family member or caregiver may be able to help.
Infection Prevention
MRSA Prevention
Union Hospital strives to meet the best quality of care and education through the prevention of infections in the Wabash Valley. Union Hospital has joined with local and state health officials, and various community partners to provide Wabash Valley communities with the most current MRSA information and the necessary tools to promote hand washing, environmental cleaning, and healthy hygiene
Information YOU need to know
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) bacteria that has developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin and other antibiotics. Staphylococcal infections, including MRSA, can occur among persons with weakened immune systems in healthcare facilities (such as hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis centers) and in otherwise healthy people who have not been hospitalized or had a medical procedure in the last year, known as community-associated (CA-MRSA).
CA-MRSA infections are usually skin infections, such as abscesses, boils, and other pus-filled lesions. Factors that have been associated with the spread of CA-MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contact with contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene. MRSA is not a new disease, nor is it specific to any location. Proper prevention at all times is extremely important.
Click the links below to read information from the CDC:
The "Speak Up" Program
The "Speak Up" program, sponsored by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, urges patients to get involved in their care. Such efforts to increase consumer awareness and involvement are supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This initiative provides simple advice on how you, the patient, can make your care a positive experience. Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes.
S peak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still don't understand, ask again. It's your body and you have a right to know.
P ay attention to the care you get. Always make sure you're getting the right treatments and medicines by the right health care professionals. Don't assume anything.
E ducate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you get, and your treatment plan.
A sk a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter).
K now what medicines you take and why you take them. Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes.
U se a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has been carefully checked out. For example, The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting The Joint Commission's quality standards.
P articipate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.
Click here to visit The Joint Commission web site for free downloadable files of all Speak Up brochures and posters, including Spanish language versions of the brochures.