Patient Safety

Banner Health is dedicated to providing excellent patient care. We believe that patients who know about their conditions, understand what to expect during their treatment and and think about their care once they leave the hospital can have more successful and easier recoveries.

Medication Form

Our Medication Form is tool for medication reconciliation, which is a process of identifying the most accurate list of all medications a patient is taking and using the list to provide correct medications for patients anywhere in the health care system – doctor’s offices, hospitals, pharmacies and elsewhere. Print Banner Health's Medication Form.

It is designed to reduce medication errors by promoting communication between consumers and their care givers. Consumers will keep an up-to-date copy of the form and present it to their doctors and hospitals at each health care visit to provide an accurate medication history for inclusion in their medical records. One of the most important actions a patient can take is to keep a accurate and up-to-date list of medications. Patients should keep a copy of this medication list at home in a safe place as well as bring a copy to their medical appointments.

Weapons Detection System

As part of our commitment to ensuring Banner Health is a safe place to work and receive care, weapon detection systems are currently utilized at several of our Banner Health hospitals.  All patients and visitors will be screened upon entry into our campus buildings.

Learn more about the weapon detection systems. 

Other Patient Safety Tips

Ask Questions

• Your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, benefits plan coordinator, or any health care provider you see should be prepared and eager to answer your questions.
• If you forgot to ask a question when visiting with your doctor, write it down and call back
• Find out as much as you can about illnesses or conditions that affect you. Ask your care providers. Many Banner hospitals have libraries with staff who can help you.
• Talk to your doctor about all treatment options. If you wish, seek more than one opinion
• Choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital experienced in the type of care you need

Involve a family member or friend in your care

• Ask a family member or friend to help you when you are receiving care. This person can come with you to appointments, help you ask questions and take notes to help you understand your care instructions.

While you are in the hospital

• Hospital staff must properly identify you before every treatment and procedure. Before the admitting staff puts your ID bracelet on, confirm your name and make sure the information on it is correct
• Ask your nurse about all the medicines he or she gives you. If they are new or different, ask what they are and why you need them
• Be sure the staff who takes blood, tests you, or gives treatment or medicines first checks your hospital ID bracelet and asks your name
• Do not tamper with devices, including IV pumps. If you have questions about them, ask your nurse
• Tell hospital staff if you are part of a research study. They need to know this!
• Please wash your hands often and remind others to do so. This will help prevent infections
• Be sure your primary care doctor knows that you are or have been in the hospital
• For your safety, our pharmacy will give you all the prescriptions you need while you are in the hospital. If you have brought any medications with you to the hospital, send them home with your family.
• Tell your nurse if you must use your medications from home for any reason. We will work with you and your doctor to make sure you take your medicine safely
• Finally, if something just doesn't feel right or safe, or if you feel worried, tell your doctor or nurse right away
• Get your instructions in writing. We want you to feel that you have the information you need to care for yourself at home -- Read these instructions and ask questions until you understand them
• Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain these written instructions to you
• Take medicines exactly as prescribed. If you have concerns or side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist

Questions or concerns about your safety

• If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, tell your nurse, doctor, or therapist
• Work with Your physician and other care providers
• Write down your medical history and conditions or illnesses you have, including:
  • Immunization
  • Allergies
  • Time you've spent in a hospital
  • All the medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements, and herbs
• Share up-to-date information about your health history and care with everyone who is treating you. Don't assume they know what other doctors, including specialists, you are seeing or what treatments you are receiving
• Make sure you understand your plan of care and treatment
• Pay attention. If something doesn't seem right, tell your doctor or other care provider
• If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, tell your nurse, doctor, or therapist
• Write down the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics, and pharmacies for quick and easy reference