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Brockville General Hospital |
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News Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brockville—It’s National Patient Safety Week October 31st to November 4th, and Brockville General Hospital is re-issuing the popular “Mind Your Meds” cards launched last year. The Mind Your Meds Campaign will officially launch Monday, October 31st, and continue to roll out to the community over the rest of the month. The key piece is the free Mind Your Meds information card. “We’d like to take the awareness generated by Patient Safety Week, and use it to remind the public that taking medications requires special safety precautions,” explains Heather Crawford, VP Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive for BGH. “Sometimes we get so used to doing something that we don’t think about possible hazards.” The theme for National Patient Safety Week is “Don’t Hold Back: Good healthcare starts with good communication.” Crawford says that’s a good place to start. Everyone should feel free to ask direct questions of their health service providers. With medications, clients need to talk about what they are taking, how much and how often. “Take your medications with you to any medical appointments,” says Crawford. “You need to be clear with your health service providers about what you are taking, so nothing they prescribe will conflict with it and cause possible side effects. You also need to tell them about herbal supplements, vitamins or any over-the-counter remedies you may not consider medicine, but could still interact with other medication.” What if you cannot speak for yourself? “That’s where the Mind Your Meds card will be of best value.” Beginning October 31st, Brockville General Hospital will provide free Mind Your Meds information cards, available at the hospital and at various physicians’ offices throughout November. The card will provide space to list your medications, doses and times—plus those other supplements that are not prescribed medication. “The wallet-sized card can be filled out and kept in your wallet or purse,” Crawford explains. “It can speak for you even if you can’t, if you are ever brought into our Emergency Department incoherent or unconscious.” The Mind Your Meds card will also be a valuable tool for anyone responsible for an elderly relative that lives alone. “Sit down with your older family members,” Crawford suggests, “help them make out cards for themselves and make copies for you. If you ever get a call from the Emergency, wherever you are you will have the information ready that could make all the difference in your loved one getting the best treatment.” BGH is declaring November BGH Patient Safety Month and will continue to roll out patient safety initiatives and information over the course of the month. For more information, please contact:
Healthy people – Outstanding Care
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