When you check in at one of our hospitals and throughout your stay, we will confirm your identity by asking you a series of questions — such as your date of birth and the reason you are being treated. We understand this can be annoying, but we do this for your protection and to make sure you receive the right treatment.

Please speak up if someone does not confirm your identity before giving you your medication or starting any treatment.

Your electronic health record protects your safety by providing your caregivers:

• Access to your complete health records, as well as home and hospital medication lists
• Real-time test results
• Electronically generated prescriptions
• Automatic drug interaction checks
• Easy-to-read notes
• Timely safety information

Your health and safety is important for your healing and recovery. That's why we follow national best practices for sterilization, medication administration and staff training to prevent infections.

The No. 1 way to prevent infection is to wash your hands often — after using the bathroom, and before and after eating or handling food.

It's always OK to ask your visitors — as well as your caregivers — to wash their hands when they enter your room.

Quality of care is important to us. Read our transparency reports for five outcome measures.

We want to partner with you for medication safety, and we encourage you to be an active participant in your own health care. When you come to one of our hospitals, bring a complete list of all your current medications — including all prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements — so we can be sure you are receiving the best care possible.

You do not need to bring your prescribed medications with you; we will provide them during your stay. However, if any medication is likely to cause a negative reaction, you may not receive it while in our care. If you aren't receiving medications you usually take, be sure to speak up and ask why so that we may assist you.

At Sharp, patients and their loved ones are important members of the health care team. We encourage you to get involved in your care by following the important safety guidelines set by The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Speak UP reminds patients to:

Speak up if you have questions or concerns about any aspect of your care.

• Tell your nurse or doctor if something does not seem right or if you feel your condition is changing.
• You will encounter many people throughout your stay. You have the right to question anyone who is involved in your care.

Pay attention to the care you are receiving.

• Ask caregivers to explain your condition, treatment, tests and medications so you know what to expect, and always ask questions about things you do not understand.

Educate yourself.

• Before leaving the hospital, be sure you know what you need to do at home to continue your recovery.
• Get a list of all the medications you will need to take when you go home.

Ask for help.

• Have a loved one stay with you in the hospital to help you remember the information you hear, and to speak up for you if you cannot.

Know your medications.

• Have a list of your medications and the dosages, including all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbs, vitamins and supplements, and always tell your caregiver if you have any allergic reactions to medications, latex or other allergens.
• If you are given a medication you do not recognize, ask to verify that it is for you before taking it.

Understand your care.

• Before you have surgery, someone from the operating team will mark the area to be operated on.
• Confirm that the marked area is the correct site for the surgery.

Participate in your care.

• Keep a list of questions you want to ask your doctor(s), so you or your loved one can get the information you need.
• You and your doctor should agree on exactly what will be done during each step of your care. Do not be afraid to get a second opinion if it will help you feel better about the decisions you are making.