Our Services
Inpatient Services: Patient Safety
T.J. Samson Community Hospital is dedicated to the safety of our patients. To be effective, our desire is that you and your family become part of our patient safety team. To be successful, it is important for you to be informed and active in your care.
- We will provide you with information about your condition.
- We want you to clearly understand your diagnosis and treatment plan and know what to expect.
- We will inform you of any changes in your condition.
- We encourage you to ask questions about any aspect of your care.
We would like for you to partner with us in the development of a safe care plan. Your active involvement will help us help you.
Ask questions
Speak up! This will permit your health care providers a chance to better assist you. We want you to be aware of your treatment plan and to understand why it was chosen for you.
Ask your loved ones to be involved
Inform your loved ones about your care plan and request them to assist you in understanding and carrying out your care plan.
Know about what medications you take
Inform your caregivers about the medications you are taking, including nonprescription medications, vitamins and herbal remedies. If you are given a prescription, be certain to review the prescription and make sure it is the right medication in the right dose. Keep an updated medication list.
You should expect the following from us:
- Health care workers to introduce themselves when they enter the room. You should look for their identification badges.
- Caregivers to wash their hands. Handwashing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infections.
- Health care provider to confirm your identity by checking your armband and asking your name before administering any medication or treatment.
- To be informed about your medications. Be aware of the time of day you receive a certain medication. If you do not receive it at the expected time, bring it to the attention of your doctor or nurse. If you do not recognize a certain medicine, verify that it is for you.
- To be told about the medications you are to take at home, as well as follow-up care or instructions. If you are not given that information, bring it to our attention.
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For more information regarding patient safety, please call us at (270) 651-4331. |
Inpatient Services: Skilled Nursing Unit
What is a skilled nursing facility?
A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a place that provides skilled nursing care, skilled rehabilitation or other medical services on a daily basis to people under the direct supervision of a physician. The services are provided by a licensed nurse or therapist (physical, occupational or speech) to people with disabilities or medical problems who require daily therapy, nursing intervention or observation.
Why are skilled nursing facilities needed?
SNFs provide the necessary level of medical and a around-the-clock care for people who no longer require the specialized care of a hospital setting. The skilled services may be provided in a long-term care facility, rehab center or may be a distinct part of a hospital. While in the hospital, each patient will have access to other services, which include social services, discharge planning, patient education, and daily activities such as pet therapy and social games.
How is eligibility determined?
- Medicare requires a three-day qualifying stay in a hospital.
- A physician must certify skilled care is needed on admission, by day 14 and every thirty days thereafter.
- Patients must be treated for a condition treated during the qualifying hospital stay or one that arose while in the SNF.
- Patients must meet Medicare guidelines for admission. The services must be deemed reasonable, necessary and can only be provided on an inpatient basis.
- Referrals may be made for skilled care by anyone, however the patient must meet the eligibility requirements.
What are examples of skilled services?
The most common services include:
- Rehab for joint replacement or joint surgery.
- Rehab for recent stroke patients.
- Tube feedings (new).
- IV medications (antibiotics or total prenteal nutrition—TPN).
- Managed care plans and teaching (new colostomy/new person with diabertes who requires insulin).
