Patient Safety

Speak Up to Prevent Errors

At Hunterdon Medical Center, providing health care is a partnership – between physicians, nurses, staff…and you. That’s why we encourage you to take an active role in your care.

To help prevent medical errors, Hunterdon Medical Center and the Joint Commission ask you to Speak Up.

Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still don’t understand, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.

Pay attention to the care you get. Always make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines from the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.

Educate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you get, and your treatment plan.

Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.

Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes.

Use a hospital that meets the rigorous health and safety standards of an accrediting organization, such as the Joint Commission.

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.

Call Attention to Your Situation

We encourage you and your family to report any safety or quality concerns about your care to your nurse and nurse director.

Concerns may also be directed to:
Patient Advocate - (908) 788-2580
Director of Patient Care Services - (908) 788-6154
Director of Patient Safety - (908) 788-6100, ext. 3090

Need a Rapid Response?

You should alert your nurse to significant changes in your (or your family member’s) medical condition. Tell your nurse, “My condition requires immediate attention” to trigger a rapid response.

Make your identity known

Your hospital I.D. band should be worn at all times. If the band falls off for any reason, please request a new one immediately.

When you receive your I.D. band, check to see that all information is correct. I.D. band errors are a patient safety hazard.

Staff members are required to check your I.D. band before any test or procedure. They may also ask you to verify your name or other information on the band.

Prevent germs from spreading

Health care providers must clean their hands before touching a patient. This helps to reduce the spread of germs.

At Hunterdon Medical Center, there are two ways to wash your hands: using traditional soap and water, or washing with antibacterial foam (located in all patient rooms and most other areas of the hospital).

Please kindly remind your doctor, nurse, laboratory personnel or others to clean their hands if you do not see them do so.

Tell Someone…

…if you have allergies to medicines, food or latex.

…if you take any over-the-counter or prescription drugs, or any type of vitamin or herbal supplement.

…if you don’t understand part of your upcoming test or procedure.

…if you need help or are in physical or emotional distress.

…if you have concerns of any kind.

If you don’t know…ask!

Understanding your treatment is key to ensuring the safety and success of your hospital visit.

While you are here, you will often be asked to “teach back” what you have learned about tests, procedures and medications. Hearing things in your words lets us know what we have explained clearly and what requires further discussion.

We welcome questions about any and all aspects of your care.
Remember: when it comes to your health, every question is important!