Montefiore Medical Center has been innovative in its delivery of healthcare for more than a century. We are regularly recognized for our commitment to quality and safety, exceptional advanced care and leading outcomes. Physicians, nurses and staff are focused on continually improving patient safety and the quality of care.
Our efforts have exceeded national benchmarks and continue to set the standard.
Everyone has a role in making healthcare safe. That includes doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Make your care safer by being an active, involved and informed member of your healthcare team.
Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their own healthcare are more likely to get better faster. To help prevent healthcare mistakes, patients are urged to SPEAK UP:
State questions and concerns
Pay attention to the care you are receiving
Educate yourself about your conditions, treatments and any medical tests you will be getting
Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter)
Know what medications you take and why you take them
Participate in all decisions about your treatment—you are the center of your healthcare team
Montefiore has a program to prevent falls for both inpatient and outpatient settings that include a safe environment, as well as staff and patient education. Here are some things patients can do to prevent falls while in the hospital:
Montefiore Medical Center is a smoke-free zone. If you are trying to quit smoking, these tips can help.
Learn about our smoking cessation program, and call the New York State Smokers Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (697-8487).
People who are thinking about suicide may not know they are depressed. Certain thoughts, feelings and actions can be signals that let you know you may need help. If you think you may be at risk, talk to your doctor to learn how to watch for warning signals. Call one of these suicide prevention hotlines for immediate help:
Certain germs have become resistant to the medications (antibiotics) commonly used to treat them. Germs that resist treatment with more than one antibiotic are called multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs for short). MDROs are found mainly in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Keeping your hands clean is the best way to prevent getting or spreading germs that cause infection. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
When to Clean Your Hands
To help prevent infection, wash your hands often, especially:
Tips for Good Handwashing
If you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60 percent alcohol. These products kill most germs and are easy to use. Use soap and water?not hand gel?if your hands are visibly dirty, and after using the bathroom.
To help prevent the spread of infection, healthcare workers wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner before and after treating each patient.
Avoid Smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Using tobacco products or smoking causes harm to nearly every organ in your body, and second-hand smoke is harmful to the people you love.
Control Your Weight
Keeping your weight in control will help prevent many health problems. If you are gaining or losing weight without trying to, you should let your doctor know. Your caregivers can help by giving you information on how to control your weight and answer your questions. Just ask!
Get Routine Vaccinations
Just like children, adults need vaccinations too! For those who get sick easily, especially seniors, getting influenza and pneumococcal vaccines regularly will help protect you from certain types of flu and pneumonia. Just ask your healthcare provider whether a vaccination is right for you!
Keep Your Medical Appointments
Your healthcare providers cannot help you if they don’t hear from you or if they do not see you. Stay in touch by keeping your appointments, or rescheduling if you miss them. Your Montefiore caregivers are happy to care for you while you are in the hospital but would rather help you stay out. Be sure to keep your appointments.