Speak Up!

Because you are important to us here at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, we participate in the “Speak Up™” program sponsored by The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization, that accredits and certifies more than 17,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. “Speak Up” is a national campaign to urge patients to take an active role in preventing healthcare errors by becoming involved and informed participants on the health care team.

At UT Medical Center, we take the responsibility of caring for you seriously and it’s your responsibility to do the same. After all, no one knows your health and your body better than you.

If you have any questions or concerns about your care or if you don’t understand what someone is telling you, “Speak Up”!

• Educate yourself about your illness.
• Learn about the medical tests and your treatment plan.
• Know what medicines you take and why you take them.
• Wash your hands regularly and expect your health care providers to wash theirs as well.
• Expect staff to check your ID band before giving medications, taking specimens or performing tests.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment.
• If you are unable to ask questions about your care, ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.

We want to work with you as an active member of your healthcare team. The most important thing to remember is to “Speak Up”! It is your body and you have the right to know. If you have any concerns about patient safety or your care ask to speak to the manager.

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