Arriving at Windom Area Health
When admitted, a registration representative or a member of the nursing staff will ask you to complete and sign several forms. An identification bracelet will be placed on your wrist for identification purposes.
Communication with Your Team
We encourage patients to be involved in their own care. Our nursing staff practices transitions at bedside (meaning we have a shift change), where the nurses will communicate about your care in front of you, in your room for both you and your family members to be included in.
White Boards
Each room has a dry erase board that will list key care items about you, your medications, and your plan of care. Keeping you and your family informed during your care is a priority for Windom Area Health. You can also use this board to write down questions for the doctor or nurse.
Patient Responsibilities
Treat Others with Courtesy
Treat other patients, their visitors, and staff members and physicians who are providing your care with courtesy. Loud voices are unnecessary in the hospital, as is inappropriate language. Please treat others with respect and dignity by:
- Avoiding loud voices, foul language, & swearing
- Limiting the number of guest visiting you at one time
- Using T.V., radio, phone as needed quietly
Respect the Confidentiality & Privacy of Others
Allow other patients privacy and maintain a quiet atmosphere. It is not right to:
- Look into other patient rooms
- Ask staff for information about other patients
- Ask staff why a person/patient is at Windom Area Health
Make Informed Decisions
We encourage you to gain as much information as you may need to make decisions about your care. You may be asked to sign a written consent for certain tests or procedures. Please make sure you fully understand each document that you are asked to sign. If you change your mind or refuse a treatment, please notify the staff as soon as possible and discuss your reasons with your physicians.
Secure Your Valuables
It is your responsibility to make sure that your valuables are secured at all times, including:
- Hearing aids, dentures or partial dentures
- Eyeglasses and jewelry
- Cell phones
Do not leave your valuables where they may be mistakenly disposed of, such as on your bedside table, meal tray, or your hospital bed. Windom Area Health does not accept financial responsibility if you choose to keep your personal items with you.
Ask for Clear Explanations
If you do not understand your medical problem and/or your treatment plan is not clear to you, you must tell your health care team. You are responsible for asking questions if you do not understand. You should ask questions like:
- Why is this treatment suggested? What other options do I have?
- What might be the results of this treatment? Is this treatment new and/or experimental?
- How long will this treatment take?
- What will the treatment cost? What are the risks of this treatment?
- What are the credentials of the person providing this treatment?
When you and your doctor agree on the best treatment for you, it is important to follow this plan, as partial treatment may not help you. If you cannot follow the treatment plan, you need to tell a staff member.
Responsabilidades del Paciente en Español
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Discharge
Patients admitted at Windom Area Health have the right to request a discharge planning evaluation. To make a request, please contact Windom Area Health Social Services, or make your request directly with your nurse. Note: Windom Area Health routinely assesses all patients admitted for discharge planning needs.
Discharge Planning Services Include:
- Review of the patient’s current medical status, medical history and potential medical considerations following discharge
- Assessment of the patient’s current support system and living situation, including services and assistance in place through family or other individuals
- Evaluation of the patient’s potential needs following discharge
- Planning for the patient’s transition from the hospital at the time of discharge
- Discussion and coordination with the patient and the patient’s representatives
- Review of community resources and supports available to the patient, including insurance coverage and financial considerations
- Completion of referrals to agencies and entities that will be involved in the patient’s care following discharge
- Post discharge follow-up with the patient or patient’s representative
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Include Always
Windom Area Health was a pilot hospital for the Minnesota Hospital Association’s program called Include Always.
Our Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is made up of community members that have used or are familiar with our services. PFAC helps Windom Area Health make decisions about policies, procedures, patient flow, décor, and other items from the perspective of a patient/family member.
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