Ask Questions-Get Involved

Your Role in Getting Safe Care

Did you know that the most common causes of patient injury in hospitals are preventable? You can help prevent infections, medication errors and blood clots (and many other sources of medical harm) by getting involved and asking questions. At Northern Light Inland Hospital, we encourage you to ask questions – because when it comes to safe healthcare, there are no dumb questions! Here are a few key safety questions we recommend:

Have you cleaned your hands? 

National studies show that more than 80,000 people die each year because of infections they get while in a hospital… and CDC statistics reveal that healthcare workers adequately clean their hands less than 50% of the time. So don’t be shy about asking a caregiver this question. At Northern Light Inland Hospital, we are committed to cleaning our hands 100% of the time because one infection caused by unclean hands is one too many.

What is this medication and why am I taking it? 

Many medication errors happen because of poor or faulty communication between patients and hospital staff. At Northern Light Inland Hospital, you can feel comfortable asking questions about your medications, because we believe two-way communication is one of the best ways to prevent mistakes.

Visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for a printable brochure about Medication Safety.

Am I at risk for getting a DVT?

Visit the Coalition for DVT to get a printable handout on “DVT at a Glance”.

Visit the American Association of Neurological Surgeons for a printable handout on “Surgery Safety Tips”.