Patient Safety

We encourage our patients to be active participants in their health care by doing the following:

• Consider bringing a family member, friend, or caregiver with you if you are admitted. In addition to making you feel more comfortable, they may help you ask questions and understand answers. Hospital or medical terms can be confusing.
• Speak up is you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again.
• Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right healthcare professionals.
• Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
• Know what medications you take and why you take them.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment.

Medical Staff

The physician who admits you is responsible for directing your care while you are in the hospital. Your physician, as the coordinator for your treatment program, should be consulted if you have questions about your illness.

Nursing Staff

A team of professional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse assistants provide 24-hour nursing care. A nurse manager is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care on each unit. Please feel free to contact your nurse or the nurse manager if you have questions or concerns.

Dietitians

The hospital maintains a staff of full-time registered dietitians to meet your dietary needs during your stay. If you have questions about your meals or diet, call extension 519.

Social Workers

Social workers are assigned to each patient care area and are trained to help patients and family members deal with financial, social, and emotional problems related to illness or hospitalization. Members of the department work with patients and families to help deal with long-term illnesses and rehabilitation and are involved in discharge planning.

Joint Commission

If you have a complaint about patient safety or quality of care, you may contact St. Joseph's administration at 218-237-5507. ÝYou may also contact The Joint Commission:Ý

Toll-Free: 800-994-6610 (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST, weekdays)   Fax: 630-792-5636
Email: complaint@jointcommission.org   Web: http://www.jointcommission.org

Office of Quality Monitoring
The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181