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Patient Tips

Taking Medicine

  • Ask the doctor and pharmacist about any medicines that you have been prescribed. What is the name, benefits, and possible side effects or reactions with other medications or food/beverages?
  • Make sure you know the name and color of the medicine you are taking.
  • Take medicine in well-lit areas.
  • Make sure you know why the medicine is being taken.
  • Ask the doctor or pharmacist to explain how to take the medicine and how often it should be taken.
  • Ask what the results should be and possible reactions from taking the medication.
  • Check your medicine to make sure it is the correct one prepared for you. Speak up before you leave because pharmacies typically do not take back medicine once it has been purchased.
  • Make sure the doctors, nurses and pharmacists, know about any allergies or reactions to drugs you or your family member might have.
  • Bring a list of the medicines to every appointment. Include over-the-counter, herbal, or dietary drugs. Throw away old medicines.

Before Your Surgery

  • Talk to the physician and nurse about any concerns.
  • Make sure that you, the doctor and surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what is going to be done.
  • Make sure the body area to be operated on is clearly marked.

Centinela Hospital Medical Center provides notice to its public that when an individual has any concerns about patient care and safety in the hospital that has not addressed, he or she is encouraged to contact hospital management at 310-673-4660. The public may also contact the Joint Commission’s Office of Quality Monitoring to report any concerns or register complaints by calling 800-994-6610.

At the Hospital

  • Bring a family member or friend who knows your medical history and who can also ask questions. This can help to ensure the best care possible. Family members often provide the comfort and support needed to promote your return to good health.
  • Bring with you all the medicines you are taking or a list of the medications.
  • Be active and speak up.
  • Write down and carry important medical information with you. Keep a list of medical history, office visits, and medication use. Medical information should include allergies and the names, addresses and phone numbers of important health care clinicians.
  • Make sure you understand the plan of treatment. Ask the nurse or doctor to explain any test results and the plan of treatment. If anything is not clear, speak up and ask questions.
  • Make sure you know what medicines should be taken. Make sure you know what has been ordered for your care. Ask questions if the medicines look different from before.
  • Patients, family members and caregivers should wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Make sure that someone, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of the care for you or your family member. This is especially important in a hospital or in case of a complex illness. Ask if your primary physician will be at the hospital.
  • Write down any questions about your condition, treatment, clinic visit or hospital stay. Take notes about what you learn from your caregiver. At the end of your visit to the hospital, ask for information in writing, including information about medicines, follow-up care, and your treatment plan.
  • It is up to you to learn as much as you can about the care and treatment. The most important way you can help to prevent medical errors is to be an active and informed member of the health care team. This means taking part in every health care decision.