Protect yourself and your loved ones.
Navigating healthcare can be daunting, but by being informed and proactive, you can enhance the safety and quality of your experience. Below, we provide essential tips to help you advocate for your rights, ensure clear communication, and make informed decisions about where to receive care. From understanding your patient rights to selecting the right hospital for your needs, empower yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your well-being and that of your loved ones.
How to be a Patient Champion for a loved on in the hospital:
Cape Fear Five Star Project has created a handbook to help when a loved one is hospitalized. It provides a easy use guide about how to effectively advocate for the care of a hospitalized patient. You can download it for free by clicking on the picture below. Feel free to print it and use it.
Familiarize Yourself with Patient Rights.
Understanding your rights as a patient empowers you to advocate for your well-being. Ensure that the hospital respects these rights, and don't hesitate to speak up if you feel they're not being upheld.
Bring Along a Trusted Advocate.
Having a supportive advocate by your side during hospital visits and stays can provide invaluable assistance. They can help communicate your needs, ask questions, and ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Research Hospital Quality Ratings.
Prioritize safety by researching and comparing hospital quality ratings, particularly for planned inpatient surgeries, utilizing resources such as the Medicare website to make informed decisions about where to receive care.
Find hospitals with quality ratings near you.
Duke Hospital and UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill are the closest 5 star hospitals.