6 ways to stay safe during your hospital visit

The hospital should be a place you feel most safe and cared for. As a patient, you’re in a vulnerable state, and trust is essential for healing.

Hospitals have numerous protocols in place to make sure everyone is safe.

At Endeavor Health hospitals, you’ll notice a steadfast focus on safety for patients, visitors and staff. In fall 2025, six Endeavor Health hospitals earned “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization that measures how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm.

And while our hospitals work hard to keep you safe, there are things patients and their families should do to ensure their experience is as safe as possible.

1. Speak up and ask questions. You and your loved ones are your best advocates, so don’t hesitate to ask your care team questions. Ask about medications they’re giving you, next steps in your treatment plan, and what do if you have a safety concern.
2. Wash your hands. Practice good handwashing and don’t hesitate to remind your care team to do the same.
3. Keep your space safe. Allow housekeeping to clean your room, throw away trash, make sure there is a clear pathway to the bathroom, and keep personal items you need within arm’s reach to prevent falls.
4. Ask for help when you need it. Don’t try to get out of bed without assistance if you need help and wear non-slip socks or footwear.
5. Be honest with your care team Answer their questions truthfully so they can care for you safely
6. Follow instructions after you leave. Continue safe care at home by following your discharge plan, scheduling follow-up appointments, taking medications as directed, and following all post-discharge instructions.

Endeavor Health is a top choice for safe care.  Our hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission. Every acute care site in the system is Magnet designated, the highest national honor for nursing excellence and superior patient outcomes, by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

In addition to national safety reviews, Endeavor Health has its own rigorous internal safety practices:

• Daily safety huddles: Every day, staff conducts short, safety-focused meetings that allow every department to share safety-related information across the organization, review events from the last 24 hours and highlight potential safety risks down the road.
• Patient and Family Advisory Council: Patient and families provide feedback and help guide safety improvements.
• Safety culture surveys and board oversight: Staff complete an annual culture of safety survey and safety updates are shared at every board meeting.

Endeavor Health is your partner in both health and safety. We welcome your questions and feedback to help make our hospitals safer for everyone.