Safety & Security

Patient Safety

As a patient, you will meet with many health care workers during your stay, including doctors, nurses, case managers, dietitians, therapists, technicians and aides. We require that all physicians and employees wear their ID badges so you can recognize who is taking care of you.

You are the center of the Health Care Team, and we ask that you help us by taking an active role in your care. Here are a few things that you can do:

• Tell your doctors and nurses as much as you can about your medical history. Let them know about any allergies to food or medicine you may have.
• Tell them about any medication you take including over-the-counter medicine, eye drops, herbs and vitamin supplements.
• Make sure your caregiver asks for your name and date of birth before you receive any medication or blood products, before you have blood drawn and before you undergo a test.
• Speak with your physician in advance to confirm the details of the specific operation or procedure planned for you.
• Ask questions about your diagnoses, newly ordered medications and treatments. We are glad to answer questions and provide you with information.
• Call for help with walking if you are unsteady on your feet.
• Remind caregivers to wash their hands or to wear gloves before touching you.
• Ask your doctor about receiving flu and pneumonia vaccines.
• If you need special equipment, be sure you know how to use it properly.
• Send all medications home. Your physician will prescribe medications through the hospital pharmacy. Please talk with your physician or nurse about this.

Patient safety is important to us – please let us know of any opportunities for improving our environment of safety.

Personal Belongings

For your safety and the security of you personal belongings, please adhere to the following guidelines during your stay with us:

• Please limit personal belongings at your bedside
• Please send your valuable items – such as money, credit cards and jewelry – home with family members or a trusted friend. You may ask Security to place those items in the Hospital’s safe. Elkhart General cannot be responsible for the loss or damage of any personal belongings not secured in the Hospital’s safe
• Items such as eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids require special care. Please do not leave these items on your meal tray, in drinking cups, or wrapped in tissue. Your nurse will provide a special container for their safety.
• You are encouraged to label your personal items with your name.
• If you misplace something, please notify your nurse.

Patient Security

Security is available 24 hours a day to assist patients and visitors with escorts to their vehicles, jump starts, and lockouts, or to address security concerns. To contact a Security Officer, call (574) 523-3289.