FOR OUR PATIENTS
STAYING ACTIVE
Staying active can help bring about a quicker and stronger recovery . To offset the negative effects of bedrest and immobility , including pressure ulcers or bedsores , your care team will help turn you , get you out of bed , and ensure that you receive proper nutrition . You also should ask your nurse or physician what activities you can do to enhance your recovery , such as spending time out of bed , sitting in a chair for meals , bathing and grooming yourself , and going for walks in the hallway with supervision .
PREVENTING FALLS
The hospital is an unfamiliar place , and certain factors and medications can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling . It is important for you to be as active as possible , but we do not want you to fall . Please use your call button and ask for help when getting out of bed , especially if you feel weak or unsteady . Your care team is happy to assist you in getting out of bed , going to the bathroom , or walking around .
HELP FOR QUITTING SMOKING
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health . UAB is a tobacco-free campus located in the Birmingham Health District , and we encourage you to stop smoking during and after your stay . Talk to your doctor or nurse to get help for your tobacco cravings while in the hospital . In addition to the resources listed below , your television offers a series of on-demand videos to help you stay tobacco-free . No smoking-related items ( matches , lighters , vape pens , etc .) are allowed in any location where oxygen is in use . Please take all such items home to keep you and your loved one safe .
The Health District is a smoke-free area established by a city of Birmingham ordinance to promote the health and wellness of patients , employees , students , and visitors . All sidewalks , streets , and outdoor public areas in the district are designated smoke-free .
• uabmedicine . org / readytoquit
• smokefree . gov
• quitnowalabama . com
• quitterscircle . com
• 1-800-QuitNow
RESTRAINTS
The use of restraints to prevent harm to a patient sounds like a frightening concept that doesn ’ t fit the definition of responsible patient care . UAB Medicine ’ s goal is to use restraints only when we are concerned that you may harm yourself and only after other options have been tried . Through research and practice , we have identified alternatives to restraints such as distractions , comfort measures , and allowing family to be with you as much as possible . Restraints will be considered only as a last resort for your safety , and even then , we would use comfortable , minimally restrictive options for the least amount of time . If you have any questions or concerns , please don ’ t hesitate to discuss them with your caregiver .
CONDITION-HELP ( 5-6000 )
Condition-HELP is an important safety initiative that gives patients and families an immediate way to voice concerns if they do not understand the care plan , feel they are not being heard , or sense their loved one is in danger of a medical emergency . Speak first with the medical team and then call Condition-HELP ( 5-6000 ) to have our rapid response emergency team dispatched to your room .
For RNICU and CCN patients : As a parent , you sense and see changes in your baby that allow you to serve as their voice . When you call Condition-HELP , the emergency team will evaluate the situation and notify a neonatal specialist if further care is needed .
ADDICTION & RECOVERY
We want to provide every patient with thoughtful , personalized care . If you have been suffering with an addiction or have received treatment for addiction in the past , please let us know , as it helps us better manage your pain and assist you in your recovery .
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
If you feel overwhelmed or need emotional support , please talk with your nurse or nurse manager . They can assist you in determining the best resources available and help make arrangements for your care .
STAY CONNECTED
Staying connected with family , friends , and community is very important to your healing . We encourage you to communicate with your loved ones while you are here and involve them in your care . We are here to help you in any way we can .
If you have access to a smart device or tablet : 1 . Use apps such as FaceTime , Zoom , and WhatsApp to video visit with loved ones . 2 . Participate in social activities , book clubs , and church services that are available for streaming through Facebook Live or other services . Many organizations record their events and post them for viewers to watch later .
3 . If you would like to include your loved ones in conversations with your provider , please speak with a member of your care team for help .
4 . If you do not have access to a smart device or tablet , speak with a member of your care team or use your in-room phone to make local phone calls by dialing 9 + the phone number , including area code .
6 Patient & Visitor Guide