Help Us Keep You Safe

Things You Can Do to Prevent Surgical Site Infections

Shower/bathe with an antibacterial soap
Do NOT shave the skin near your incision area before surgery. This is an extremely important instruction to avoid small nicks in the skin that could be a source for infection.
Do not apply creams or lotions near the incision area on the day of your procedure

Take care of yourself to improve healing with adequate rest, good nutrition and plenty of fluids as your medical condition allows.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has an obvious infection, cold or the flu.

Feel free to ask health care workers if they have washed their hands before caring for you. Don't be embarrassed to ask; we want to keep you safe.
Keep any dressing, bandage or cast clean and dry. If it gets wet and you have been told not to remove or change it, tell your physician immediately.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take all of the pills according to directions.
Wash your hands before touching your bandage or caring for catheters and drains.
Do not put anything on your incision area that is not prescribed.
Keep curious pets away from your wound to avoid infection.

Expect that everyone who cares for you knows who you are by asking you to say your name and checking your name band.
If you have any questions or concerns, ask a team member. Ask a family member or friend to speak for you if you are not able to do so.
While you are in the surgery center, we will assist you with standing and possibly dressing to avoid falls.
If you have any questions about a test or procedure, please ask your doctor or nurse. Be sure you understand how to care for yourself when you get home.
If you notice any other safety concerns, please tell a team member so that we can work to make our center the safest place possible.
Should you have safety concerns that you feel are not addressed by the Center, you may call: Ambulatory Care Administration at (727) 315-7051 or: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 200 Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 853-6060 info@aaahc.org

When you are asked about medications you take, please tell us about every medication. Be sure to include creams, vitamins, herbs, diet supplements, eye-drops and all prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
If you use any street drugs, please tell us. We are not here to judge you, but to ensure your safety with all the medicines and anesthesia you will receive for your procedure.
Tell us about all of your allergies. Include allergies to medicines, tape, latex, shellfish and anything else you may have reacted to in the past.
Expect that everyone who gives you medication knows who you are by asking you to say your name or your birth date and by checking your name band.
Ask questions if you do not understand what a medication is or what it is for. Inform your nurse or doctor if you suspect that you are having a reaction to any medication.
After your procedure, tell your primary care physician about any changes in the medication you are taking as a result of your procedure.