Protecting our Patients' Rights is everyone's responsibility. Healthcare providers, patients and family members are a team with one goal, keeping our patients safe.
Achieving this goal is more challenging when the hospital census is at capacity and the emergency room is full.
Several steps are taken when this situation occurs which includes activating overflow areas such as the ATC and/or PACU which requires additional staffing.
This seems to be what you and your husband experienced, all of which was complicated by computer problems and your husband's food tray not being delivered in a timely fashion. Please accept our apology for not having met your expectations.
We agree totally with your statement that patients need to have a family member or friend with them to act as their advocate.
Specific complaints or concerns can be addressed with the Patient Advocated assigned to each patient center, but there is no substitute for the caring and concern of a family member or friend.
Ellen Siegel, MS, RN
Senior Clinical Quality Improvement Analyst
