Your safety in our hospital is a priority for us all, and you are the most important member of your safety team. Please take time to learn about this subject.

Medication Safety

Please send personal medications home or give them to the personnel at the nursing station. All drugs must be dispensed by the hospital pharmacist to ensure that you receive the proper medication at the right time and that there is no conflict in the medicines you are taking.

Be sure to let us know about:

  • Prescription medications you have been or are currently taking.
  • Over-the-counter medications you commonly use for pain, headaches, cough and cold, and other ailments.
  • “Natural” remedies or alternative medications you are using, including herbal products.
  • Recreational drugs you are using, if any.
  • Any concerns or questions you have about your medications.
  • All you know about allergies or reactions to medications in the past.
  • Food allergies.
  • Your diet, including foods and beverages you commonly eat or drink.

eMar

Beechwood Memorial was the first hospital in Idaho to use eMar (Electronic Medication Administration Record) to reduce medication errors. When it’s time for you to receive medication, a nurse scans the medication and your wristband. If, for some reason, the medication doesn’t match the order by the physician, the nurse is automatically alerted and will make the correction.

Using bar coding technology ensures that:

  • the right patient
  • receives the right medication
  • in the right dose
  • at the right time
  • by the right route.

Questions you should ask before receiving medications:

  • What is the name of this medication? Is this the brand name or the generic name?
  • What is it for?
  • How much should I get and how often?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • Do you have anything I can read about this medication?

If this medication is unfamiliar or new to you, ask:

  • Will this be replacing anything I was taking before I came in?
  • What are the possible side effects?

If you notice anything different that catches your attention, ask for clarification. For example:

  • You receive four tablets in the morning instead of two (you might be receiving a new medication that you may want to learn about).
  • The medication you take for blood pressure is a blue tablet, but today you receive a white one (it could be a generic version of the same medication).

Please ask any questions you may have about your medication and other treatments.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Our healthcare team needs your help to prevent injury from falls.

Falls may occur in a hospital because:

  • Your illness may leave you weak and unsteady.
  • Some medications may make you lightheaded or faint.
  • You may be attached to tubing and machines that hamper your movement.
  • The hospital is an unfamiliar place, especially if you awaken at night.
  • You may not realize how your balance and strength have been affected.

Safety guidelines for preventing falls:

  • Call your nurse if you feel lightheaded when sitting up or getting out of bed. Sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before standing to prevent lightheadedness.
  • Before your nurse leaves, make sure your call light, water, phone, and glasses are within reach.
  • If you need help while in the bathroom, please use the emergency cord.
  • Use slippers or socks with non-slip soles.
  • If there is a spill in the room, please notify your caregiver to have it cleaned up.

Hospital Security

This hospital provides security services from sworn-in, off-duty Idaho Falls Police Officers every weekday from 3:00pm – 7:00am. Security is also available on the weekends from Friday at 3:00pm until Monday at 7:00am. The security officers are stationed in the Emergency Department and can be reached at ext. 4560.

During night hours, security officers provide escorts to the parking lot for family members and visitors who may be uncomfortable doing so on their own. For assistance with emergencies during the day, you may call the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or speak with any hospital employee. For routine security concerns, please call ext. 6395.