Managing the Hospital

With preventive maintenance and a collaborative relationship with your physician, you can often avoid going to the hospital. But sometime you may need a special treatment for an acute illness or a repair, and, even under the stress of going to a hospital – you are still you. You need to participate. You have rights.

• Have a living will and inform your family of your wishes. Be specific.
• Have an accurate list of medicines and doses. This includes over the counter and herbal medicines (some may interact with others).
• Do not take anything valuable with you.
• Be knowledgeable about your care. Do not hesitate to ask questions.
• You will have a wrist band identifying you. The most common hospital error is caused by medication delivered at the wrong door, at the wrong time, or the wrong patient. Make sure you are always properly identified. Know your medications, the proper dose, and the reasons for their use.
• Legally you have the right to look at your chart. (Hospital regulations may require medical personnel to be present to interpret).
• You have a right to seek a second opinion, to change doctors, to receive answers about tests to be performed.
• If you have problems during admission, there is an ombudsman (a patient representative) who will act on any complaint.
• Hospital infections are a continuing problem. All hospital personnel should wash their hands prior to patient contact. Do not hesitate to point this out to medical personnel, including doctors.

John Roberts, M.D.
Surgeon and former Chief of Staff
Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia

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Posted on: 7/3/2006