Patient Safety

We want our patients to describe the care they receive at North Memorial as "remarkable." Remarkable care is safe care. Our vision illustrates that we are committed to providing you and your family with the best and safest care possible. We ask you and your family to join us in making sure that your health care experience at North Memorial is both safe and remarkable.

We encourage our patients to play an active role in their care. North Memorial works to ensure patient safety in a variety of different ways, from participating in local and national initiatives to making patient safety a top priority at all levels of our organization, including management, physicians and staff. There are specific actions you can take as a patient at North Memorial that will enhance your role as our partner. Together we will achieve safe, remarkable care for you and your families.

If you are interested in learning more about patient safety and how it relates to you and your family please visit one of the many helpful resources available on the web. Also, you are encouraged to contact our Patient Representative (763-520-5095) with any questions or concerns you may have regarding you or your family member's care at North Memorial.

Your Role

Hospital or Clinic visits
Bring a family member or friend who knows your medical history, can ask questions on your behalf and can offer you the comfort and support needed to promote a return to good health.

Know what medicines you take and why.
Get the facts. Read the labels, including the warnings and follow the directions. Be sure to speak up and ask the following questions:

What is it?
Make sure you know the name and color of the medicines. Take medicine in well-lit areas.

What is it for?
Make sure you know why you are taking the medicine.

How do I take it?
Ask the doctor or pharmacist to explain how to take the medicine and how often. Be aware of foods or other medications that you should avoid while taking the medication.

What are the side effects?
Ask what the results should be, possible reactions and what to do if you experience a reaction.

Brown Bag It
Bring your medicines or a list of your medicines to every appointment. Include over-the-counter, herbal or dietary drugs. Throw away old medicines.

Be active and speak up
The most important way you can help to prevent medical errors is to be an active and informed member of the health care team. This means taking part in health care decisions.

Make sure you know what medicines should be taken. Know what has been ordered for your care and ask questions if medicines appear to be different.
Identify yourself and know your caregivers
Speak up if you have questions
Notify staff of safety concerns
Work with staff to help prevent falls and infections. Read or watch the materials provided by your caretaker that outline what you can do to prevent falls and infections.
Write down any questions you may have and take notes about medications, follow-up care, lab tests or other diagnostic tests and treatment plans.

If you need surgery

Make sure you understand what will happen before, during and after your surgery.
Know the risks of the surgery you are going to have.
Make sure the area of your body to be operated on is clearly marked.

Helpful Resources