Staying safe during your hospital stay

Preventing Pressure Injuries

Pressure Injuries (sometimes called “bed sores”) don’t discriminate – recognize the signs and don’t wait.

In addition to your healthcare team’s skin assessment, be sure to report any changes that you notice on your skin to your team.

Early intervention can prevent the progression of pressure injuries.

Preventing Falls

Anyone can experience a fall while in the hospital.

Remember that illness, new medications and different surroundings may impact your balance and movement.

If you feel unsteady, use your call bell to ask for assistance. Speak to your care team about more ways to prevent falls.

We Move

Did you know that staying in bed for long periods of time can impact your health?

At Niagara Health, we assess patients to help maintain functional mobility and determine how to move safely, sit up in a chair for meals and stay as active as possible during their hospital stay.

Regular movement can improve blood circulation, maintain muscle strength and reduce the risk of pressure injuries and falls.

We Check ID

Correct identification is critical to ensure we provide safe care.

Healthcare providers will check your identification (including wristband) frequently and ask for your full name and date of birth.

Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot that develops within the veins and includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs and pulmonary embolism (PE) in the lungs.

Did you know that hospitalization may increase your risk of DVT? DVT’s are the most preventable cause of hospital death. 50 percent of VTE events occur because of a current or recent hospitalization for surgery or acute medical illness.

Some of the risks for VTE include:

• Major surgery
• Hip/ knee replacement
• Major traumas such as car accident and broken bones
• Previous history of VTE

How can I reduce my risk?

• We Move is a Niagara Health initiative to encourage all our patients to stay active and keep moving throughout the day. Getting out of bed for meals and walking the halls when you are able will help decrease your risk of developing a DVT.
• Wear your compression stockings, if ordered, until you return to normal activities.
• Ask your healthcare team about the medications prescribed to you for VTE prevention.

Delirium

Delirium is a sudden change that causes confusion and uncharacteristic behavior. Delirium can come on suddenly and can fluctuate throughout the day or night and from day-to-day. Delirium changes your ability to focus and can cause confusion, drowsiness or restlessness.

Getting enough rest, eating and drinking well, keeping mentally and physically active and wearing your glasses or hearing aids if required, are ways to help prevent delirium while in the hospital. As well, your healthcare team will engage with you in We Round and We Move practices.

Upon admission and throughout your stay, your healthcare team will assess your risk of delirium. If you notice a change in your loved ones thinking, be sure to let your healthcare team know.

Learn more about delirium prevention here.