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Your medical and personal safety is our primary concern. We take great care to protect your well-being and to ensure the best medical outcome possible for you. By participating with your health-care team in the following ways, you can ensure a safer experience.

All hospital employees, including our doctors and nurses, must wear Palomar Health photo identification (ID) badges while on duty. If someone without an ID badge approaches you, please ask to see his or her identification. If that person does not have an ID card, notify your nurse or another staff member immediately. New parents should never allow anyone other than their assigned nurse to take their baby out of the room.

The physician who admits you is responsible for directing your care while you are in the hospital. Since your physician is the coordinator for your treatment program, consult him or her if you have questions about your illness.

A team of professional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants provides 24¬hour nursing care. A nurse director is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care on each unit. Please feel free to contact your nurse or the nurse director if you have questions or concerns.

The hospital maintains a staff of full-time, registered dietitians to meet your dietary needs during your stay. If you have questions about your meals or diet while at Palomar Medical Center Poway, dial 4657 – or ask your care provider for assistance. Social Workers Social workers are assigned to each patient-care area and are trained to help patients and family members manage financial, social and emotional problems that relate to illness or hospitalization. Members of the department work with patients and families to help with long-term illnesses and rehabilitation and are involved in discharge planning.

Clinical Resource Management consists of registered nurse (RN) case managers and social workers who are assigned to each patient-care area. They are trained to assist families and patients with social, emotional and financial problems that relate to illness and hospitalization. Members of this department work with patients and families to assist with issues such as long-term illness, rehabilitation and discharge planning. If you would like to speak with a member of this team, please ask your nurse. In addition, your insurance company may also have RN case managers working with you to assist you with your care needs.

During your stay in the hospital, your physician may encourage you to regain prior levels of physical function through rehabilitation exercises. Based on your physician’s orders and your diagnosis, the therapists will come to your room and conduct an evaluation of your ability to perform basic daily skills. The therapist will then create a plan of care to increase your functional ability during your hospital stay. The overall goal is to start your recovery early, so that you can progress to the next level of care.

A member of the housekeeping staff cleans your room daily. If you have a housekeeping request, inform your nurse and it will be handled promptly.

Volunteers contribute many hours of service. They supplement the services of the hospital staff in many ways and can be identified by their badges.

During your stay, many other health-care professionals, including personnel from the Laboratory, Radiology and Respiratory departments and physical or occupational therapists, may participate in your care. In addition, the Palomar Health family includes many behind-the-scenes workers, such as accountants, engineers, secretaries, food service workers and others who contribute greatly toward your well-being while you are here.