Safety is a high priority at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital. We understand its importance and will do everything to provide a safe and comfortable experience for you and your family.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind throughout your stay with us.
Your patient bed
Designed for your comfort and safety, each bed has an electrical control with which you can raise and lower the foot and head. There are side rails that may be kept up at night or after you receive anesthesia or for support as you get out of bed. A bedside call button gives you immediate contact for nursing assistance at any time.
Valuables
We suggest that you leave any extra money, medication, credit cards, wallets, and jewelry with a trusted friend or family member.
Dallas patients, if you prefer to keep your valuables at the hospital, we can provide you with a private locker or safe. Your items will be returned to you upon discharge. The lockers are located on the second and third floors and can accommodate medium to large items. Smaller items may be kept in a secured safe located in the Access Services/Scheduling area. We will keep an itemized list of valuables in your patient chart.
Personal medical care items
Please take care not to leave eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, or CPAP/BIPAPs on your meal tray or bed, as they may accidentally be lost or discarded. Your nurse can provide a special case to store these items while they are not in use.
Children
For their safety, an adult must accompany children at all times. Children who are not visiting a patient must stay in the waiting area with an adult. Any child who has an infectious illness or has been exposed to one is not allowed in the patient care areas.
Dallas visitors, board games and other activities for children and their families are available through Guest Relations on the second and third floors or by calling 214.820.0629 (3rd floor) or 214.820.0628 (2nd floor).
Infection control
Nobody likes to get sick, and we take extra care to protect our guests and ourselves from infection. We advise that you wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, and especially before eating, after using the restroom, after sneezing, or coughing. Follow these helpful tips when you cough or sneeze:
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Discard the tissue in a trash bin and wash your hands when you finish. Keep tissues handy at home, at work, and in your pockets.
- When you don't have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow. Again, wash your hands afterward.
- Covering your mouth and nose and avoiding close contact with infected people is also helpful.
Avoiding falls
Always call your nurse for assistance by using the call button before you get in and out of your bed or a chair. Be sure to wear slippers or shoes with non-skid soles and turn on the lights before you get out of bed at night. Get in and out of bed slowly and be careful when bending or leaning. Alert your nurse if a spill occurs. As we say, "Call...Don't fall."
Security
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital is equipped with an advanced security system, and we provide security escorts 24 hours a day. Our parking areas are secured as well. We have controlled access after 6 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.. Visitors may ring one of the buzzers at the doors for entry. Buzzers are located next to every entrance. To request a security escort, call
214.820.4444.
Our overall philosophy on safety is "Speak Up!" which stands for:
- Speaking up if you have questions or concerns and not being afraid to ask again and clarify;
- Paying attention to the care you receive;
- Educating yourself about your illness, medical tests, and treatments;
- Asking a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate and provide support;
- Knowing what medicines you take and why you take them;
- Using a hospital or care center that has been checked out and meets standards; and
- Participating in all decisions about your treatment.