Making your stay with us safe

Follow these eight simple steps to keep yourself safe during your stay in hospital.

Preventing falls

• Wear the red hospital socks, laced up or snug fitting shoes or slippers with rubber soles.
• Use your usual walking aids.
• If you need any assistance, tell us.

Preventing blood clots

• Wear your hospital stockings if advised and move as often as you can.
• Try to do simple leg and ankle exercises.
• Drink fluids as recommended.
• Take blood-thinning tablets or injections as advised.

Preventing infection

• Wash your hands before and after visiting the toilet, and before all meals.
• Don’t hesitate to ask our staff if they have washed their hands before any contact with you.
• Tell us if you have diarrhoea or vomiting.

Your medicines

• Tell us if you have an allergy, or if you don't understand what your medicines are for.
• Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about any concerns you may have.
• Ask about possible side effects.

Pressure ulcers

• If you can, try to keep mobile, even in bed, and call us if you're uncomfortable.
• We are very happy to help you change position, and can provide a special mattress or cushion for support.

Identification

• Tell us if any of your personal information is wrong (ID band, address, GP, next of kin).
• Tell us if you have any allergies and we'll give you a red ID band.

Any concerns

• We're here to help you — talk to us if you have any worries or concerns about your treatment, or about what will happen when you leave hospital.

Leaving hospital

Before you leave, make sure you:

• Have your discharge letter.
• Have your medicines and they have been explained to you.
• Know who to contact if you have any questions or concerns.
• Know when your next appointment is.

Developed by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Creative design by MultiAdaptor.