(This information is also available in the Nursing FYI booklet you will receive when you reach your room.)
Falls and the use of bed rails and restraints
Many patients fall because they do not wish to "bother anyone" by asking for help. Over half of the falls in hospitals happen when patients are walking to/from their bathroom. Please remember this and ask for assistance; when you press the nurse call button, we will come as quickly as we can.
What can you and we do to help prevent falls?
The following will help:
- Always call for assistance before getting out of bed for any reason, especially at night
- Keep your call bell within reach
- Have a family member or sitter stay wth you as much as much as possible, especially at night, and especially if the patient is confused or agitated.
If you feel the staff on your floor is too slow in answering the call bell, please let the vice president of nursing, the patient representative, the nurse manager, or the nursing supervisor know. (There is always a nursing supervisor on duty and they may be reached through the hospital switchboard operator by dialing "0.")
In recent years, there has been a dramatic reduction in the situations in which restraints are permitted in all health care facilities by state licensing and national accreditation organizations. We know that this is a legitimate concern in society and in licensing and accrediting agencies. We too, have read about overly sedated and restrained patients in nursing homes and agree that those situations are inhumane. A simple thing like putting four bed rails up routinely at night, which may appear very sensible, is not permissible in any state according to federal regulations because bed rails are considered restraints.
It is our general practice to put the top two bed rails up to aid patients in turning and repositioning, to provide a feeling of comfort and security, and to provide easy access to bed controls. Because of state and federal regulations and our concern for your safety, we do not routinely use four bed rails. Use of four rails may increase a your potential for injury if you try to exit the bed through or over the rails or if you get part of your body caught between the sets of rails. Use of four bed rails can also make a patient feel isolated and unnecessarily restricted. If you have any concerns about the use of bed rails, please discuss these with your nurse or physician.
Whenever possible, we do not use restraints. If a restraint is used, it is done in accordance with a physician's order. Our philosophy, policies, and practices have to be that we do everything else first, then if a restraint has to be used, it must be the least restrictive device.
If we anticipate that you are becoming disturbed, restless or disoriented we will try to call the family, day or night, to see if someone can stay in the room with you as we are not staffed to provide continuous in-the-room care.
Our joint effort will help to keep you as safe as possible during your hospital stay. We value your input for other suggestions.
Foam Mattresses/Chair Cushions ("Geo-Mats" and "Geo-Mat Covers"/Cushions)
While in the hospital, you may be provided a foam mattress or chair cushion to increase your comfort and/or prevent skin breakdown.
Sometimes patients take these mattresses/cushions home with them at discharge. Please be aware that these products are made of polyurethane, which is a plastic product that burns easily. The fumes irritate the lungs and can be fatal if inhaled. If you take one of these products home, please remember that the foam is somewhat protected with a flame retardant chemical; however, if the mattress/cushion is washed, the retardant material will be washed out. Be sure to protect the mattress/cushion from any contact with flame or sparks. You should never smoke or use a candle near the mattress/cushion. Do not place the mattress/cushion near any heating equipment or open fires.
If you have any questions regarding the use of these products during your hospitalization or upon discharge, please ask your nurse. Iredell Memorial Hospital is not responsible for injury or damages that result from the use of the mattress or cushion outside of the hospital.
Electrical Safety
Every new piece of electrical or electronic equipment is tested before we use it. This equipment is then retested on a regular schedule set up by our Engineering Department according to electrical safety regulations. To comply with all applicable safety regulations, the following rules must apply to electrical equipment owned by patients:
- Radios, hair dryers, electric curlers, electric razors, video camera chargers, laptop computers, cell phone chargers and video games may be brought into the hospital on the condition that they will not be plugged in until evaluated by hospital maintenance personnel.
- Hospital maintenance personnel will check to see if the appliance has three- pronged plug or is double insulated or is of plastic mold with no metal exposed or has been approved by OSHA or UL. They will also look at the condition of the equipment, look for frayed cords and exposed wiring, and will give the appliance a "work out."
- We will not be able to evaluate patient electrical equipment on Saturdays or Sundays.
- Television sets, extension cords, heating pads, and other electrical equipment must not be brought into the hospital.
Our concern for your safety is second only to our concern for your recovery. Please help us maintain a safe environment.
Bed safety information for parents of children under 12 years of age
In the past, we have received reports of death and serious injury to young children who get under hospital beds and play with the High/Low (up-down) mechanism. We are deactivating the High/Low control on your child's bed for his or her safety. Please be aware that this will not affect other beds and that your child should not be playing under any bed.
This information is not intended to scare you, but merely to call your attention to the possible hazards. You have been given this information in letter form and asked to state that you understand its contents. If you have any questions, please ask!
Balloon Safety
In the summer of 1994, the Child Safety Protection Act implemented several new safety programs and standards to save young children from serious injury and death due to choking. Iredell Memorial has approved a policy regarding rubber balloons which can burst during inflation and force fragments into a child's mouth and throat.
Rubber (latex) balloons and latex balloon sculptures are prohibited in the hospital. The use of glove balloons for entertainment, holding ice, or any other non-patient care use is also prohibited in the hospital. Mylar balloons, because they are not associated with an increased asphyxiation risk, are permitted in the hospital. Ribbons/strings attached to mylar balloons may not be secured to beds, cribs, traction or IV poles within reach of infants and/or children due to the risk of accidental choking. Balloons, once no longer fully inflated, are to be disposed of properly in a trash receptacle outside the child's room.
Infant/Toddler Safety
Infant/toddler bathtubs, highchairs and infant swings are available in the pediatric unit. To ensure their safety, the infant/toddler must be accompanied by an adult while these items are in use.
Tobacco-Free Environment Policy
Smoking and the use of tobacco are major causes of preventable disease and death. As a responsible leader in the health care industry, Iredell Memorial Hospital is committed to providing a safe, clean, and healthy environment for our patients and staff, as well as promoting health, wellness, and the prevention and treatment of diseases within the community. For these reasons, we provide a tobacco-free workplace and environment for patients, visitors and employees. The use of tobacco in any form on Iredell Memorial Hospital premises is prohibited. This policy applies to patients, visitors, physicians, staff, and anyone coming onto Iredell Memorial Hospital property for any reason. Iredell Memorial Hospital premises include all hospital buildings, grounds, and parking lots.
If you smoke or use tobacco, we want to help you follow this policy while also making your hospital stay as pleasant as possible. If you feel you will need nicotine replacement while in the hospital, please tell your nurse or doctor.
We strongly encourage you to take this opportunity as the first step towards a tobacco-free future. We have included below some tips and resources to assist you in giving up tobacco products. If you would like additional information, please tell your nurse. A respiratory care services employee will visit you to provide this information. We also offer smoking cessation classes for all citizens of Iredell County and the surrounding communities through our wellness department. If you or someone you know is interested in registering for these classes or would like literature to assist with tobacco-cessation, please call 704-878-4550.