Ask Us Questions About Your Care

If you have any questions, or patient care and/or safety concerns, Department Directors or the Administrators are available to assist you. They will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your hospital stay. If you are unhappy with any aspect of your hospital service, please notify your nurse, the Director of the unit, a Risk Manager, or Administration so that we may have the opportunity to assist you.

You may also share your concerns with the following:

Texas Department of State Health Services
Customer Service Representative
PO Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
512-458-7111 or 1-888-963-7111
TDD 1-800-735-2989
E-mail: customer.service@dshs.state.tx.us

Office of Quality Monitoring
The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
1-800-994-6610
E-mail: complaint@jointcommission.org

Your safety is very important to us at South Texas Health System. We understand that being in the hospital is a very stressful experience for you and your family. Everyone is committed to making sure you feel safe and secure during your stay with us. Here are some ways that you can help us make your recovery as safe and as comfortable as possible.

Remember To Tell Us These Things

  • All prescribed medication you take.
  • All over-the-counter medications you take.
  • Any alternative, natural or herbal medications you take.
  • Any medication you take prescribed for someone else.
  • Any medication you take purchased outside the U.S.
  • Any allergic reactions you may have had to a medication or food.
  • Foods and beverages you consume on a regular basis.
  • If you were not admitted by your family physician, please provide us his/her name so that we can him/her of your admission.
  • Any other medical condition you have, especially any that require treatment by a doctor.
  • If you would like anyone to stay with you while you are in the hospital.
  • If you would like us to contact anyone to let them know you are in the hospital.
  • If you would like us to share your medical information with anyone else.
  • If you experience pain or discomfort at any time during your stay.

Questions To Ask About Any Medication You Are Given

  • What is the name of the medication?
  • Does it have any other (generic) names?
  • What is the medication for?
  • Do you have any information I can read about this medication?
  • How often will I take the medication?
  • Does this medication replace any medication I am already taking?
  • What are the most common side effects?
  • Should this medication make me feel different? How?
  • How long will I be on this medication?

If you have additional concerns that your doctor or nurse cannot answer, you may ask to speak with a clinical pharmacist about your medication.

Questions To Ask Before Any Test, Procedure or Surgery 

  • Why do I need this test, procedure or surgery?
  • How long will this test, procedure or surgery take?
  • What are the risks associated with this test, procedure or surgery?
  • What will happen if I don’t have this test, procedure or surgery?
  • How will I benefit from having this test, procedure or surgery?
  • Is there any other way to get the information or treat this disease besides this test, procedure or surgery?
  • How should I feel after the test, procedure or surgery?
  • Will I have pain? For how long? How will my pain be controlled?
  • Who will speak with my family after the test, procedure or surgery? Where will that be?

Expect an Excellent Level of Care

If there is anything about your care that concerns you, that you have questions about, or you are uncomfortable with, please tell your doctor or nurse.

  • Your caregivers to answer your questions to your satisfaction.
  • Your caregivers to check your armband and verify your identity before giving you any medications or treatments.
  • Your caregivers to explain how you should feel after the test, procedure or surgery; also, whether or not you will have pain, for how long, and how it will be controlled.
  • Your caregivers to wash their hands before starting any treatments or procedures.
  • Your caregivers to address you with respect.
  • Your caregivers to protect your privacy by closing the door or pulling the privacy curtain before starting any treatments or procedures.