Your safety is a prime concern to every member of the hospital staff. We are constantly on the alert to prevent accidents. Here are some ways that you can help during your stay at Chesterfield General;

Medications:

• Inform us of ALL medications you take, including those prescribed by your physician. Please include all eye drops, ear drops, antacids, laxatives, vitamins and minerals alternative, herbal and homeopathic medications and substances, or topical lotions you may use. 
• We also need to know if you smoke, chew tobacco, consume alcoholic beverages or use illegal drugs.
• Please notify us of allergies or anything that you have had a reaction to, such as a rash, stomach reactions, etc.
• Tell us any past positive or negative medication effects.
• Keep a written list of all your medications, including doses, dose form, and times you take each (schedule).  We will then make a copy for your record.
• Be sure you understand all instructions about taking your medications.
• If we provide a medication that doesn’t look right, question us about it.
• Ask to be told the name and purpose of every drug we give you to take.
• Don’t take any medication unless the caregiver checked your ID band first.
• Tell us if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Other Issues:

• Don’t get out of bed by yourself unless the nurses and your doctor say that it is safe.  Call for assistance.
• Check the paper on your meal trays to be sure you received your tray and prescribed diet.
• Don’t leave your hearing aide, dentures, or eyeglasses on your meal tray.
• Keep your personal possessions to a minimum.  Send any items you don’t need home with your family.
• Make sure you ask questions when you have concerns.
• If a caregiver comes to perform a procedure or a test that your doctor had not previously notified you about, make sure to question this.  We will double check your doctor’s orders.
• Do not let anyone perform a test or procedure, who has not checked your ID band.
• Tell the doctor, nurse or other caregivers how you feel.  You are not complaining.  Your healthcare providers need as much information as possible to ensure proper care.
• Learn about your condition and your treatment, ask questions.
• If you see an unsafe situation or hazardous condition, please let us know.

General Guidelines:

• Always follow your doctor’s orders and the nurses instructions regarding whether you must stay in bed, need assistance to go to the bathroom, etc.
• Ask a nurse for help if you feel dizzy or weak getting out of bed.  Remember you are more likely to feel faint after sitting or lying for a long time.
• Remain lying or seated while waiting for assistance.
• Do not try to get in or out of a wheelchair by yourself.  Ask nursing personnel for assistance.
• Side rails and bed positioning are important for safe care.  There are times when bed rails are necessary.  You may be asked to remain in bed due to your condition.
• Make sure you wear non-skid slippers whenever you walk in the hospital.
• If necessary and whenever possible, we encourage your family to assist in ensuring your safety.
• Before leaving a patient care area, check with the nursing staff.

Infection Control:

For the protection of patients, healthcare workers, volunteers and visitors who may come in contact with potentially infectious patients, our hospital enforces strict Infection Control measures. Gowns, goggles, gloves and masks are used for some procedures. Our infection control efforts mean a safer hospitalization for you.

South Carolina state law mandates that hospital acquired infections be made available to the public as of February 1, 2008. Hospital acquired infections are submitted to DHEC through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). If unable to access the link below and you would like a copy of the HIDA report, please call the Chesterfield General Hospital Infection Control Department at 320-3376 to receive a paper copy of the report or click here for the HIDA Report.

Fire and Disaster Drills:

Fire and disaster drills are conducted regularly by the hospital to comply with fire codes.  Patients do not participate and are asked to remain in their rooms during drills.  Visitors are asked to stay in patient rooms.  In the event of an actual emergency, you will be notified by the staff.