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Your safety is an important part of every visit to the Margie Petersen Breast Center and Providence Saint John’s Health Center. From infection prevention and medication review to procedure preparation, mobility and privacy, our care teams work with patients and families to help create a safe and supportive environment throughout evaluation, treatment and recovery.
Safety is also a partnership. We encourage you to ask questions, share concerns, provide accurate information about your medications and medical history, and let your care team know whenever something does not feel right.
Infection Prevention
Preventing infection is an important part of care in both outpatient and hospital settings. Hand hygiene, appropriate protective measures and careful attention to surgical and procedure sites help reduce the risk of infection during treatment and recovery.
Help Us Protect You
Patients and visitors can support infection prevention by cleaning their hands regularly, following instructions from caregivers and letting the care team know if they are experiencing symptoms of illness before an appointment or procedure.
If you have questions about wound care, drains, dressings or signs of infection after surgery, contact your surgical team rather than waiting for a scheduled follow-up visit.
Visitor and Masking Guidelines
Visitor and infection-prevention requirements can change based on hospital conditions and public health guidance. Providence Saint John’s maintains current visitor information separately so patients and families can review the most up-to-date requirements before coming to the hospital.
Medication and Treatment Safety
Accurate medication information helps your care team prevent interactions, avoid duplicate treatment and plan safely for surgery, imaging or medical therapy.
Bring a Current Medication List
Keep an up-to-date list of prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, including the dose and how often you take each one. Let your care team know about medication allergies and any previous reactions to medicines, anesthesia or contrast agents.
Follow Procedure-Specific Instructions
Some medications or supplements may need to be adjusted before surgery or another procedure. Do not stop a prescribed medication on your own unless your physician or procedural team tells you to do so.
Preparing Safely for Surgery or a Procedure
Before surgery or another hospital procedure, your care team will provide instructions about eating and drinking, medications, arrival time, transportation and what to bring. Following these instructions carefully helps reduce delays and avoid preventable complications.
What to Bring
Providence Saint John’s recommends bringing any physician-provided paperwork, your insurance information, a current medication list and personal medical items such as glasses, hearing aids or mobility devices when they are needed.
Leave Valuables at Home
Jewelry and other valuables should generally be left at home when you are coming for surgery or hospitalization. Comfortable clothing can make arrival and discharge easier.
Preventing Falls and Injuries
Illness, surgery, anesthesia and some medications can temporarily affect balance, strength or alertness. Even patients who normally walk independently may need assistance after a procedure.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Hospital staff may assess your risk of falling and recommend assistance with walking, getting out of bed or using the restroom. If you feel weak, dizzy or unsteady, use the call light or ask a caregiver for help rather than attempting to move on your own.
Mobility After Breast Surgery
Breast and reconstructive surgery can temporarily affect shoulder and arm movement. Follow your surgeon’s instructions about lifting, exercise and activity, and ask whether rehabilitation or physical therapy may be helpful during recovery.
Patient Identification, Privacy and Security
Patient identification procedures help ensure that medications, tests and treatments are provided to the correct person. You may be asked to confirm identifying information more than once during your visit, even when members of the care team already know you.
Providence Saint John’s also protects the confidentiality of patient medical information. Patients can ask questions about who may receive information about their care and can communicate privacy preferences to the care team.
Hospital visitors are required to check in and receive a visitor badge before proceeding to patient areas. This supports both patient privacy and hospital security. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Speak Up About Your Care
You are an important member of your health care team. Ask questions when something is unclear, tell your caregivers about concerns or unexpected symptoms and make sure you understand the purpose of medications, procedures and follow-up recommendations before leaving your appointment or the hospital.
Questions Are Part of Safe Care
If you do not understand a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, medication or discharge instruction, ask for clarification. It is appropriate to ask why a treatment is being recommended, what alternatives exist and what symptoms should prompt you to call after you return home.
Let Us Know About Safety Concerns
If you believe something about your care may be unsafe or incorrect, tell a member of the care team promptly. Providence Saint John’s encourages patients to communicate concerns, needs and patient-safety issues so they can be addressed as part of your care.
Visitors and Support Persons
Family members and support persons can play an important role during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Providence Saint John’s maintains current visitation policies for the hospital, including visitor check-in, infection-prevention requirements and any temporary restrictions.
Because these guidelines may change, patients and families should review the current policy before hospitalization or a procedure rather than relying on older printed or online instructions.
Preparing to Go Home
Before leaving the hospital, make sure you understand your medications, activity restrictions, wound or incision care, follow-up appointments and which symptoms should prompt a call to your care team. If you will need assistance at home, discuss this with your nurse or case manager before discharge.
Patients undergoing surgery should also confirm transportation plans and any restrictions related to driving, lifting or returning to work. Providence Saint John’s provides additional discharge guidance in its Patient Guide.
Have Questions About Your Visit or Care?
Safety information should support your care, not make it harder to navigate. If you have questions about an upcoming breast appointment, procedure, surgery or treatment, contact the Margie Petersen Breast Center so the care team can help you prepare.
Call 310-582-7100 or contact the Margie Petersen Breast Center.