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St. Luke's Regional Medical Center

2720 Stone Park Blvd.
Sioux City, Iowa
51104

(712) 279-3500

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Hospital Safety

Standard Precautions

Standard precautions apply to all patients all the time. This is to protect staff from getting infections from patients. It will also prevent staff from spreading an infection to other patients that they care for. Staff will use these standard precautions before contact with patients’ blood or body fluids:

  • gowns
  • gloves
  • masks
  • goggles
  • face shield

If You Are Having Surgery

You play a key role in making sure your surgery is as safe as possible. Your surgical team will call a “time-out” right before your surgery:

  • The information on your wristband is checked to make sure the correct patient is prepared for surgery. At least two forms of identification will be used.
  • To prevent confusion, the correct site, if it is a left or right distinction, will be marked with a “yes” on your body by your doctor.
  • To make sure you have consented to the correct procedure, your consent form and medical record will be checked against what has been planned.

To prevent infection after surgery:

  • Wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom. Hand hygiene is also important before and after contact with your surgical incision.
  • Care for your incision as ordered. Usually the dressings need to be kept clean and dry around the incision.
  • Report any signs of surgical infection to your doctor or nurse, such as:
    • redness or foul smelling drainage
    • around the incision
    • fever
    • chills
  • You can avoid getting infections from others by asking them not to visit you when they do not feel well.
  • Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as ordered. Do not quit taking your antibiotic without letting your doctor know.

Talk To Us

  • Please ask us questions. Never be afraid to speak up. You are our guest and our partner in your care. Help us keep you safe.
  • Be sure we know who you are and that all information on your wristband is right.
  • Be sure we are giving you the right medication and treatments. Help us take care of you.
  • Look at the staff ID badges. Expect us to introduce ourselves. We want you to know who we are.
  • Be sure we ask your name or read your wristband before we treat you or give you medicine. If we don’t ask, please tell us.

Understand Your Care

  • Ask your doctor about any special training they may have had.
  • Learn about your health problem from your doctor. Ask Me Three is a great way to communicate.
  • Read health forms carefully. Make sure your questions have been answered before you sign any forms.
  • Learn how to use home health care equipment safely.
  • Don’t smoke or have flammable items near oxygen.

Let A Support Person Be Your Advocate

Your advocate:

  • asks questions and speaks for you if you cannot
  • should know your wishes on CPR and life support
  • should know about any consents for treatment that you may sign
  • should know your home care routine
  • should know who to call if your health worsens
  • may stay with you during the night to help you

Know Your Medicine

Ask:

  • for written information about your medications and their side effects
  • about new or unfamiliar medications
  • about taking more than one medication, vitamin, supplement or over-the counter drugs at the same time
  • your nurse how long it should take your IV and medications to empty

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medication allergies and reactions. Be sure you and your pharmacist can read your doctor’s prescription.

Our pharmacy uses a unit-dose drug system to provide patient-specific, individually wrapped medications. This is designed to improve your safety.

Take Part in Decisions

  • Make sure you and your doctor agree on each step of your care.
  • Know:
    • who will care for you during treatment
    • how long your treatment will last
    • how you should expect to feel from your treatment
  • Keep copies of your health records to share with your doctors and nurses.
  • Ask for another opinion if you are not sure or need to learn more about your treatment.

St. Luke’s Pledges to Keep You Safe

St. Luke’s meets the safety standards of DNV. But we never take safe healthcare for granted. And we never stop trying to improve our service.

If You Have Concerns

If you have a concern about your care, treatment or safety please tell us by:

  • Asking to speak to the person in charge of the nursing unit, clinic or department involved
  • Call Customer Service at 712-279-3472
  • Ask to speak to the Administrator  on call
  • You may also contact:
    Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals
    Health Facilities Division/ Complaint Unit Lucas State Office Building
    321 E. 12th Street Des Moines, IA 50319
    Toll free: 877-686-0027
    Website

    DNV Healthcare Inc.
    463 Ohio Pike, Suite 203 Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
    Phone: 866-523-6842 Fax: 513-947-1250
    E-mail: hospitalcomplaint@dnv.com

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    Region VII Room
    235 601 E. 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64106
    Phone: 816-426-5233