Patient Safety
At Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, we have established initiatives that ensure your safety while you are a patient with us. Please review the following policies that have been established in addition to the proposed suggestions regarding how you, the patient, can participate in these safety measures.
Fall Prevention
In an effort to keep patients safe, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has a fall prevention program. All patients are assessed for their risk of fall and preventive actions are implemented as appropriate. You can help prevent a fall by wearing non-skid slippers when up, calling for help when getting up and moving around, and not using IV poles, the overbed tables, or other objects on wheels to steady yourself.
Identification Bracelets
Your identification bracelet serves as a tool to confirm your identity. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System staff members will check your bracelet before drawing blood and prior to other medical tests and treatments. In addition, your bracelet will be scanned with a scanner prior to medication administration. Please assist us by showing your bracelet when medical personnel enter your room.
Smoking Cessation
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, more people die of lung cancer than any other cancer. People who smoke are 10 to 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System recommends smoking cessation for your health and for the health of those around you. The South Dakota Department of Health offers a toll-free QuitLine at 1-866-SD- QUITS. This service provides coaching from the South Dakota Department of Health that has been shown to double your chances of success.
Restraints
During your stay, you have the right to be free from unnecessary restraints or seclusion. And, you will be treated with respect and dignity.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. You can spread certain germs by touching another person. You can also catch germs when you touch objects or surfaces and then touch your face (mouth, eyes, and nose). Good hand washing techniques include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water.
Waterless, alcohol-based hand cleansers are available at your bedside to use before meals, after toileting and after coughing or blowing your nose. Simply apply the cleanser to the palm of your hand and rub hands together until dry.
Cleanser is available by your door for visitors to wash/clean as they enter and leave the room. Please encourage your visitors to practice proper hand washing techniques as well.
You may also ask staff/physicians if they have washed their hands.
Ask Questions
Play an active role in your healthcare. Ask questions when you do not understand what is being explained to you. It is okay to ask staff what they are doing and why. Also, it is important you under- stand what medications you are taking and why. Feel free to ask questions about your medications.
Patient Privacy
Upon admission, you will be asked if you would like your name in the Patient Directory. You may consent or decline. If you consent, it means that when visitors, family members, clergy, etc. call to find out what room you are in or what your condition is, they may be told. The information included in the directory will include your name, room number, and condition only. This also means members of the media would be privileged to this information as well. If you decline, no one will be told any information, including confirming that you are a patient here.
Advance Directives
During your stay with us, you will be asked if you have Advance Directives, such as Durable Power of Attorney or a Living Will, in the event you are unable to make decisions about your health. These written documents inform healthcare staff members and your family of your wishes regarding serious illness or end-of-life issues. It is important to know you have the right to make these decisions. If you do have a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney (or both) please inform the staff. If you do not, and you would like more information, contact our Social Services Department at 7633 or 6730 and materials will be provided to you.
The Patient Channel
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers patients access to The Patient Channel. Located on channel 88, this informational patient education channel provides education programs on a variety of topics. Tune in with your remote control.