We’ll do our part to keep you safe as a patient or visitor, but we need your help too. Together, we can create a place where everyone feels respected, heard and secure. Below you’ll find more about the policies and procedures that are in place to help you have a positive experience every time you come to the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
Entering our hospitals
Get details on the hospital entrances upgraded with new technology and how it will affect entrances.
Useful information for your health and safety
This is a place of safety and healing, where everyone is treated with respect. We will not tolerate:
- Possession of weapons
- Physical or sexual assault
- Threats or harassment
- Cursing or verbal abuse
- Property damage
If you violate these guidelines, you could be removed from the facility, restricted from visiting, dismissed from a health care provider or face criminal prosecution.
Concerns? Call Security at 614-293-8500.
Prevent infection
- The single best way to prevent infection is washing your hands each time you return to your room, after touching objects or surfaces, before and after eating and after using the restroom.
- If we forget, remind any staff member to clean their hands each time they enter your room. Same goes for your visitors.
Stay in your room or nearby
- This helps us make sure you get the medicine, tests, procedures or consultations you need safely and on time.
- If you have to leave the unit area, please let your nurse or another member of your care team know.
Please call; don’t fall
- Please use your call button. You aren’t bothering us.
- If you want to get out of bed, we can help you get up and move about the room safely.
- If you need any items or equipment in your room, we’re happy to bring them to you so you can remain in bed.
Learn more about fall prevention
Help us prevent bed sores
- Pressure ulcers or bed sores happen when the skin and tissue under it are damaged by pressure. These can happen anywhere on the body and are most common on bony/firm areas such as the tailbone, hips, elbows, ears, heels and ankles. Your nurse will work with you to help prevent pressure ulcers. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your nurse.
- Change your position every two to four hours to keep pressure off any one spot.
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Check your skin often for redness or ask someone else to check difficult-to-see spots.
- Put moisturizing lotion on your skin often.
- Use a cushion to reduce pressure in chairs or wheelchairs.
Help us provide a healthy environment by adhering to our tobacco-free policy. Smoking, or the use of other tobacco products, is prohibited at all medical center locations, including inside of buildings, outside of buildings, in parking areas and in green spaces. Learn more about the tobacco free policy.