Hunterdon Medical Center Joins National Effort to Focus on Effective Communications To Improve Patient Safety

Published March 23, 2010


In support of National Patient Safety Awareness Month, Hunterdon Medical Center is supporting the National Patient Safety Foundation’s (NPSF) efforts to highlight effective communication as the patient safety tool of choice.  “Hunterdon Medical Center will observe Patient Safety Awareness for the entire month of March to demonstrate our commitment to the highest standards of patient safety at our hospital,” explained Stephanie Dougherty, BSN, RN Director of Patient Safety at Hunterdon Medical Center.  The theme, “Lets Talk: Healthy Conversations for Safer Healthcare,” emphasizes the communication partnership among providers, patients, and the community in improving patient safety and focuses on the impact of communication and teamwork on all levels. The theme encourages providers to listen to their patients, speak in simple terms, and empower and develop an equal growing partnership.  

For patients, medical information is often difficult to understand.  Patients who ask questions until they understand what they need to do can become partners with their doctor to manage their health. This understanding will build relationships and improve patient safety.  For example, it is Ok for patients to…
- Ask a question when patients are unsure why a test or procedure is being done
- Ask for more information on your medical condition
- Ask your healthcare providers if they washed their hands
- Ask how patients can help prevent falling while in the hospital
- Ask your healthcare provider to check your identification bracelet before having blood taken or a procedure performed


“The safety and comfort of our patients is so important to us.  To assure this, Hunterdon Medical Center staff encourages patients to be involved in their care and communicate any concerns with nurses, doctors and all care providers.   Communication builds the great relationships that are key to safe care, ” Dougherty stated.

Hunterdon Medical Center joins more than 450 Stand Up for Patient Safety member hospitals and health systems in celebrating Patient Safety Awareness Week. Hospitals, communities and organizations across the country will celebrate Patient Safety Awareness month by holding special activities.  Throughout March, a lobby display will showcase the hospitals patient safety goals, achievements and information for patients to help them be more of an active partner in improving patient safety.  


“Our Patient Safety Awareness Month is a call to action to raise awareness of patient safety as a partnership with our patients, to celebrate our patient safety achievements and to encourage patient safety by highlighting the importance of asking questions and actively participating in making healthcare decisions.  Safety is enhanced by effective partnering between patients, families, their community, and the healthcare team,” said Dougherty.

For more information on Patient Safety at Hunterdon Medical Center call Stephanie Dougherty, Director of Patient Safety at 908-788-6100 ext. 3090 or Robert Pickoff, MD, Chief Medical Officer at 908-788-6155.