The month of March recognizes Patient Safety Awareness Week from the 12-18. Patient Safety Awareness Week is designed to align everyone, from patients to care providers, in regards to healthcare safety. It’s also intended to show the importance of improving patient safety conditions while engaging consumers about their own healthcare.
Whether it be a routine checkup, a physical to participate in high school sports, emergency care or checking in on a loved one, virtually everyone in his or her lifetime will need to visit a doctor or hospital. While some may need to visit more frequently than others, there’s a common ground that all patients should share: staying informed about their healthcare.
At Methodist McKinney Hospital, we take your safety and wellbeing very seriously and make your healthcare experience with us a top priority. We’re constantly improving our facility and practices to meet the healthcare expectations of our community and keep you safe and healthy.
Yet there is an active role that you can take to ensure that your healthcare experience is the best it can be:
Choose the Right Physician – This is one of the best healthcare decisions you can make. There are many physicians out there for you to choose from, yet not every physician will be the right fit as “your” physician. Do research, ask for referrals, try different offices – once you find a physician that you’re comfortable with, you’ll be more apt to visit when the need arises without feeling anxiety or frustration.
Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions – Once you’ve found the right physician, it’s best to always ask questions regarding your health. You should feel comfortable divulging any health-related questions with your doctor because the more you know, the easier it is to make the proper decisions for yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with your physician freely and openly, go back to the first step and try again. “One of the most important things I stress with all of my patients is to never sit idly by when it comes to their healthcare,” said Dr. Rhonda Hopkins of the Snyder-Hopkins Family Medicine Center. “Patients need to ask when their results will be in, what length of time they contact the provider if they haven’t heard results, and even for copies of their results. The more active role you take in your care, the better off you will be!”
Stay On Top of Your Health – It’s easy to make healthy changes and choices once you’ve been instructed to, but taking preventative measures to help stay on top of your health is always the best route to take. Speaking to your physician about proper eating habits and exercise regiments allows you to be proactive and may reduce the likelihood of you needing health-related care to begin with.
At Methodist McKinney Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing you the best healthcare in the area. Our physicians, nursing staff and every member of our personnel strive to make your experience second-to-none. For more information about our hospital and how we put your safety, call us at 972-569-2700.
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