What can you do to ensure you are safe during your stay?

preventing falls

• Wear nonslip footwear

• Use walking aids if needed

• If you require glasses wear them when needed

• Call don’t fall! Please, use the call bell and ask your treating team if you need help preventing blood clots

• Wear compression stockings if needed

• Do foot and ankle exercises in bed

• Move as much as possible this will assist in the prevention of blood clots

• Your doctor will do a risk assessment and may prescribe you medicine to help prevent blood clots hand hygiene

• Please wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. It’s ok to ask your treating team how to wash your hands

• Please ask all your visitors to wash their hands

• It is ok to ask your treating team “Have you washed your hands?”

If You Have A Cannula

• Have you been informed why you have a cannula? If unsure please ask your treating team

• Ensure you keep the cannula site clean and dry

• If the cannula site becomes red, swollen, sore or is discharging fluid please notify your treating team immediately

preventing chest infections (pneumonia)

• If your condition allows, move/walk around as much as possible. If you are not steady on your feet, make sure you ask for help!

• Practice breathing exercises as prescribed by your treating team

• Inform treating team if you have any concerns

preventing bed sores (pressure injuries)

• Keep moving as often as you can, every small movement helps

• Change your position frequently when in bed or sitting in a chair

• If you are unable to move yourself, your treating team will change your position regularly

• Look after your skin. Let your treating team know if you have any tenderness or soreness over a bony area, or if you have noticed any change in skin colour or broken skin

• Special equipment such as air mattresses and cushions may be used to reduce the risk of pressure injuries