The "SPEAK UP" program, sponsored by The Joint Commission, urges patients to get involved in their care. Patients who take part in decisions about their healthcare are more lively to have better outcomes.

Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again. It;It's your body and you have a right to know. If you have a question or concern about your plan of care that your nurse doesn't answer, contact the House Supervisor, Clinical Manager, or Nursing Director.

Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right healthcare professionals. Don't assume anything.

Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests your 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. Medication errors are the most common healthcare mistakes.


Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards, such as that provided by The Joint Commission. Mon General is accredited by The Joint Commission. go to www.jointcommision.org to find out whether your hospital or other health care organization is accredited.

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the healthcare team. If you have concerns about your safety as a patient or would live more information on the Speak Up campaign, please call the Patient Safety Coordinator at Ext. 1388.