Identification of Hospitalized Patients

WHAT IS PATIENT IDENTIFICATION?

It is fundamental for patient safety that the correct patient receives the correct information, the correct care at the correct time and in the correct place. FV hospital recognises that continuous accurate identification of patients is a vital component in the management of patient safety. So it is essential that correct patient identification procedures are maintained throughout the patient journey,

WHAT IS THE PATIENT IDENTIFICATION PROCESS?

We are using what is called “Positive Identification” process which is an active means of identifying patients that involves the patient recounting their details that are checked against the relevant documentation. When hospitalized you can have blood tests, X-rays, surgical procedure, be given medications, etc. The hospital staff must, prior to any of those investigations or treatment, ask you the two following questions:

• What is your full name?
• What is your date of birth?

We will ask for your cooperation to answer those questions. Though we understand that these questions may be asked often and you may find answering them repeatedly annoying, please remember that this is done for your own safety. For children or any patient that is unable to provide this information, the guardian or family members will be requested to confirm the information.

WHAT IS A PATIENT IDENTIFICATION WRISTBAND?

Patient identification wristband is a plastic band attached to your wrist which is used for your identification. It contains at least your full name, date of birth and your hospital number. When you are admitted to the ward, you will be given a patient identification wristband. Please check the information printed on the wristband to ensure the accuracy of your name and your date of birth. If your find any discrepancy, please inform immediately your caregiver. Though you will be wearing this wristband at all times, staff is still required to identify you positively by asking you to state your full name and date of birth. Wristbands come in different colours:

• White for general identification of patient
• Pink for newborn baby girl
• Blue for newborn baby boy
• Red for patients with allergy
• Yellow for patient at high risk and patient at risk of falling down

If we find out any allergy during your stay your white band will be replaced by a red one, in case you are at temporary high risk of falling down a yellow band will be added to the white band and removed later as soon as possible. Your patient identification wristband will be removed just before you are discharged from the hospital For more information about patient identification please ask your caregiver or Guest relations Officer at ext 7700.