Make Sure You are Safe as Possible
American health care saves millions of lives through treatment and surgery.
However, when things go wrong the effect can be devastating and expensive.
The good news is that doctors, nurses, and hospitals are improving patient safety, especially for surgery.
Many hospitals have very good surgical safety ratings, but others don’t.
Everyone can do better.
All of us need to know how often surgical problems happen and if things are getting better.
Many hospitals take these steps with every surgery patient. But some don’t, and that puts patients at risk.
received an antibiotic at the right time before surgery11
were given the right kind of antibiotic before surgery12
had body temperatures managed during and after surgery13
received treatments to prevent blood clots after surgery14
who needed a catheter during their procedure had it removed within two days after surgery15
Understand there are ways to keep patients safe during surgery, and these actions should be taken with every patient, for every surgery
Know the safe surgery ratings for your hospital – visit {{report.siteName}}
Bring someone with you to ask questions and listen when you see your doctor or are in the hospital
If people are not paying attention to your concerns, talk to the hospital’s patient advocate service – their job is to help you.