Everyone at Cambie Surgery Centre is committed to providing the highest quality care in a safe, efficient manner. We work together as a team and you are an important member of that team.

One of the most important ways you can ensure the highest quality health care is to be an active member of your care team. Be involved in the decision making process, ask questions, and voice concerns so you can make informed decisions. Talk to your health care team about what risks could affect you, and learn how to avoid them. Our health care providers are open to your questions and concerns about your care.

You should understand as much as you can about all of the following:

• Medical problem you have (your diagnosis);
• Treatment, procedure or diagnostic test that you may have; and
• Medicine you should take and how to take it.

Three of the most common safety risks for patients are infections, medications, and falls. You can help lower your risk by following these tips:

1. Infections – Help prevent the Spread of Germs

• Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent infections;
• Make sure you, your family members and visitors all wash hands before entering and leaving your room (hand sanitizer pumps are located outside all patient rooms);
• Ask your health care providers if they have washed their hands before providing your care;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it in the garbage, then immediately wash your hands;
• If you have a prescription for antibiotics, finish all of it, even if you’re feeling better.

2. Medications

• Tell your health care provider about any allergies or bad reactions to medicine you may have had;
• Know what medicines (name, strength, and how often) you are on and why (include non-prescription medicines such as Tylenol, vitamins or herbal products);
• Make sure your health care provider identifies you correctly before giving you any medicine by checking your armband;
• Ask what the medicine is and its purpose;
• Ask question if the medicine looks different;
• Ask for a list of all the medicines you are supposed to be on when you’re discharged;
• Talk about any questions or concerns about your medicine (how to know if it’s working, side effects, how long you’ll take it);
• While at CSC, don’t take medicines from home until it’s approved by your doctor.

3. Falls – Steady on Your Feet

• Make sure you can reach the call bell if you are in a bed, chair, or bathroom to ring for help;
• Make sure you ask for help if you need to use the bathroom or sit/stand up;
• Wear slippers with non-skid soles that fit properly;
• Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy — know how they affect you;
• Work with your health care team to determine the best and safest way for you to walk, stand and transfer.

Help us keep you safe.