Safety Information and Patient Rights

At Wake Forest Baptist Health, we take the safety of our patients seriously. All of our employees are personally committed to making safety a top priority.

We also want you to understand your rights as a patient. Whenever you’re faced with something you don’t understand – whether it is a diagnosis, a medical procedure, or simply directions to the cafeteria – please ask your physician, nurse or any other hospital staff member for further explanation.

The Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities are designed to help you become an informed member of your own health care team:

Your Safety

Safety Starts Here is the name of our safety culture initiative. Learn more about this initiative and how our leadership is fully committed to safety.

Medications

To safeguard your treatment, medications from home should not be brought in to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the use of medications from home is discouraged. Medications from home may only be administered if prescribed by the medical staff. You are not permitted to keep medications at the bedside.

To get your prescriptions filled fast and easy as you leave the hospital, drop by the Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Pharmacy.

Valuables

We recommend you not bring valuables such as jewelry and cash with you to the hospital. Valuables should be left at home or with a family member. If this is not possible, they may be placed in a safe. Wake Forest Baptist cannot assume responsibility for items of value unless deposited in the safe.

Please call the Admitting Office for this service at 336-716-3122.

Tobacco Policy

No use of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes is allowed on Medical Center property or within any Medical Center vehicle. We discourage the use of tobacco products by Medical Center staff/faculty or visitors on properties adjacent to Medical Center properties, such as sidewalks, highway right-of-ways and privately owned properties.

Fire Drills

For your protection, Wake Forest Baptist often conducts fire drills. If a drill occurs during your stay, remain calm and stay in your room until the staff directs you to do otherwise. The Medical Center is a fire-resistant building and staff are trained in fire protection. Elevators should not be used if a fire is suspected.

Additional Assistance

If you need additional assistance with any problem, concern or to file a grievance, our Office of Patient and Family Relations is ready to help you at 336-713-2273.

Making a complaint or grievance will in no way compromise your future access to care. You may also lodge a grievance directly with:

Division of Health Service Regulation
2711 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27609-2711
800-624-3004

The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
800-994-6610

Disability Rights North Carolina
2626 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 550
Raleigh, NC 27608
919-856-2195
877-235-4210 (toll-free)
919-856-2244 (FAX)
info@disabilityrightsnc.org