RWJ Hamilton is committed to providing a safe environment for our patients. Please help us to achieve a safe environment by playing an active role in your care. Please read this information and share it with your family.

Identification Bands
Your identification band is the safest way for our healthcare team to establish proper ID of all our patients. The wrist identification band that you receive upon admission should not be removed during your stay. The ID band provides positive identification to all those who serve you and acts as a safeguard for your protection.

Please check that the information on the band is correct, and show this bracelet to the nurse or therapist each time you take a test, drug, or procedure.

Allergy Identification
Inform your nurse of any allergies or reactions you have experienced in the past. You will be provided with a red wristband if you have known allergies to medications or products to be avoided.

Medications
All medications you take while you are in the hospital are prescribed by your doctor, dispensed by the hospital pharmacy and administered by a nurse. Patients are generally not permitted to administer their own drugs or keep personal medications at their bedside. We encourage you to ask questions and raise concerns about medications you receive. Our nursing staff will check your identification wristband as verification that you are receiving the correct drug. Become familiar with the medications you are receiving or need to receive. Question the nurse as to the name of the drug and why you are receiving it. Ask if there are any side effects to expect. We are more than happy to keep you informed.

Smoking
The entire hospital campus and all affiliated buildings and medical practices are smoke free. Smoking is strictly prohibited to provide a healthier environment for patients, visitors and employees.

Oxygen
Special regulations apply when patients are receiving oxygen. Electrically operated equipment and aerosol products are not permitted in these areas.

Surgical Procedures
If you’re having surgery, procedures are in place to be sure your operation is performed on the correct site. As a double precaution, the procedure site will be marked in advance. When appropriate, your physician may order surgical infection prevention measures including: medications to prevent infection (antibiotics), clipping hair prior to surgery, and blood thinning medications and/or special stockings that promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Alert your healthcare provider for any of the following:

• Redness or swelling at the incision site
• Increased or discolored drainage from the incision site
• Elevated temperature
• Chills

Valuables
We understand the importance of keeping certain valuables with you during your hospital stay, such as hearing aids, dentures and eye glasses.  Keeping track of valuables is soley the responsibility of the patient.  We strongly encourage you to send home any valuables that are not aids to the activities of your daily living.  If it is necessary to keep valuables with you during your stay, they can be placed in the safe provided by our security department. This can be arranged by dialing security at ext. 6970, or by speaking with your nurse. You will be given a written receipt for all items, which must be presented when you withdraw your valuables.

If you do lose something, please notify your nurse right away, and he/she will make every effort to help you find it.  Upon discharge, please make sure to check the safe, as well as cabinets and closets within your room for any valuables.  The hospital will not take responsibility for belongings that are left behind after discharge.

Please be careful not to place your dentures and/or glasses on food trays or on the bed.  Denture cups are available from the nursing staff for your convenience.

Discharge
When being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor or health professional to thoroughly explain the treatment plan you will follow at home, your medications and your follow-up visit to the office if necessary. Most important, never hesitate to ask questions or raise your concerns. Your participation helps us provide excellent service to meet the needs of our patients.