Patient Safety at SVMC

At SVMC, we take patient safety seriously. That's why we joined the Instute for Healthcare Improvement. Our entire organization is focused on making care safer and more effective. 

Each year, SVMC tackles projects to make care safer, such as implementing uniform surgical site marking and surgical time-outs to reducing hospital aquired pneumonia. Safer care is better care and we're committed to making our hospital the safest in the nation.

Patients and their families can help, too. Here's how:

• Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
• Pay attention to the care you receive. Don't assume you are getting the right treatments.
• Learn all you can about your illness, diagnostic tests, and your treatment plan.
• Participate in every decision about your care.
• Don't be afraid to remind doctors or nurses to clean their hands before touching you.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate
• Know what medications you take and why you take them.
• Don't be afraid to tell a nurse or doctor if you think you are about to receive the wrong medication.

Patient Advocate
SVMC has a dedicated nurse whose job is to help patients and families communicate their concerns to the health care team. If you have concerns about quality or safety, contact our patient advocate at (802) 440- 4054.