News

Your Health Care - Be Involved

Newmarket, Ontario - September 13, 2005 - Today Southlake Regional Health Centre officially launched the Ontario Hospital Association’s (OHA) Patient Safety Program called “Your Health Care – Be Involved”. Designed by the OHA with funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the goal of the program is to empower patients to become more involved in their health care.

“Our staff and physicians take very seriously their role in ensuring patient safety and the hospital has a number of ongoing safety initiatives in place,” commented Dr. Nancy Merrow, Chief of Staff.

“However, we welcome the information and tools provided by the OHA because open communication with patients and their families is the first line of defense.”

In order to help patients understand the important role they play, a series of five “common sense” tips have been developed:

1. Be involved in your health care. Speak up if you have a question or concern about your care.
2. Tell a member of your health care team about your past illnesses and your current health condition.
3. Bring all of your medicines with you when you go to the hospital or to a medical appointment.
4. Tell a member of your health care team if you have ever had an allergic or bad reaction to any medicine or food.
5. Make sure you know what to do when you go home from the hospital or from your medical appointment.

Dr. Merrow believes that empowering patients to follow the five tips will not only improve patient safety but also their health care experience.

“Patients who feel comfortable asking questions and voicing concerns will ultimately feel less apprehensive about being in the hospital. We plan to provide that support and encouragement.”

To make patients aware of the program’s five tips, posters will be hung in waiting areas and brochures will be available throughout the hospital.

To view the brochure "Your Health Care - Be Involved", click here

You can view this document on Southlake's website or visit the Ontario Hospital Website