Patient Safety
At UnityPoint Health, keeping patients safe is our top priority. Our hospitals follow a strategic plan with clear safety goals and measurable ways to track progress — including a goal of zero preventable harm. Those goals include preventing infections and falls during hospital stays, reducing avoidable readmissions and using technology to deliver safer care. Our patient safety teams continuously review data and partner with care teams to strengthen processes and build safety into every aspect of your patient experience.
Every member of our team is committed to your safety and wellbeing. We also believe that great care is a partnership — when patients and families take an active role in the care experience, it makes a real difference.
There are simple ways you can help keep your care safe.
Ask questions about your care.
- You deserve to understand everything happening during your visit. If anything about your care or treatment is unclear, please ask — no question is too small.
- If you're recovering from surgery or feeling unwell, your risk of falling may be higher, so follow your care team's guidance even when certain precautions feel inconvenient. Those steps exist to protect you.
- It's also a good idea to ask about any medicines you receive, especially ones that are new or unfamiliar, so you always know what you're taking and why.
Speak up if something doesn't feel right.
- Your instincts matter. If something seems off — whether it's a change in how you feel or a concern about your care — please tell someone on your care team right away.
- Family members and friends often notice changes first, so encourage them to speak up, too.
- If you have a concern that hasn't been addressed, you're always welcome to reach out to our Patient Relations Team, and we'll do our best to resolve it promptly.
Share your health information.
- Your care team can only give you the best care when they have a full picture of your health.
- Let your physician or nurse know about all your health conditions, medications, supplements and any other providers or specialists you're seeing.
- Even if you think your care team has all the details, taking a moment to share them yourself helps avoid gaps and keeps everyone on the same page.
Involve a family member or friend you trust.
- Having a family member or friend with you can make a big difference. They can help you ask questions, take notes and remember instructions when you have a lot on your mind. We warmly welcome visitors during your hospital stay and will do our best to accommodate your needs. Learn more about our visitor information.
Take an active role in your care plan.
- The more engaged you are, the better your outcomes tend to be. Keep copies of your medical records and share them with your care team so everyone has a complete picture of your health — signing up for MyUnityPoint makes this easy.
- Make sure you and your doctor agree on your care plan, and that you understand who will care for you, how long treatment will last and what to expect.
- Never hesitate to seek a second opinion if you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment.
- When you're home, take medications exactly as prescribed and contact your physician or pharmacist if you experience any side effects or concerns.
