During Your Hospital Stay

Wearing your hospital identification bracelet at all times is an important safety step, as it will be checked by staff prior to procedures, tests, or administration of any medications. Feel free to speak with your nurse or physician at any time if you have safety concerns or suggestions, or contact our Patient Experience Department at 802.772.1978.

In order to treat and control your pain effectively during your hospital stay, your discomfort level will first be assessed during an initial meeting with your healthcare provider. To manage your pain well throughout the remainder of your treatment plan, we ask that you keep us informed of any changes so that they may be addressed quickly and appropriately.

For your safety, a nurse will evaluate whether or not you are at risk for an accidental fall, based on factors such as medications you may be taking or the type of illness for which you are being treated. Information from family members as it relates to fall risk is also considered. When it comes to your role in fall prevention, simple measures can make a big difference. For instance, be sure to ask for assistance getting in and out of bed, clear a path to your restroom, and keep important personal items within reach. If you use glasses, a hearing aid, or walking devices, be sure you can access them easily.

Hand washing with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Practice good personal hygiene by washing frequently and for at least 15 seconds, and by asking visitors to do the same. Friends and relatives with colds or other contagious illnesses should be asked not to visit you until they are well. If you notice a staff member not washing up, feel free to remind them to do so. A little prevention can go a long way in keeping you and others germ-free.

Two-way communication is the key to success at Rutland Regional Medical Center. We work hard to keep our patients and their families informed and involved in their care plan, and look for their input in return. If you have questions or concerns during your stay, by all means, ask us!

In order to provide the best care possible to patients and their families, we need to hear about your experience with us. We encourage you to fill out a Patient Satisfaction Survey after your discharge to share with us the positive aspects of your stay, as well as areas where improvements are needed. Tell us; we’re listening!

We hope that your stay with us is a positive one. If, however, you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your care or treatment, please tell our staff right away. You may also feel free to direct any concerns or complaints to our Patient Experience Specialist at 802.772.1978.

If you feel the need to file a written or verbal complaint with any of a variety of state agencies, you can do so by calling 802.828.2900. To review your rights as a patient, review our Patient Bill of Rights.

Flat screen color TV’s are provided in each of our patient rooms. When watching television, we ask that you be considerate of other patients by keeping volume low and turning your set off at bedtime.

To promote relaxation, the C.A.R.E Channel and Guided Imagery are two 24 hour television channels which play more than 70 hours of scenic nature video accompanied by soothing instrumental music. The combination of sound and imagery includes day and night cycles to support circadian rhythms, and has been proven effective for pain management, patient restlessness, stress reduction, and palliative care.

We offer the services of a notary to our patients, free of charge. To request notary services, speak with your nurse.

To keep you up to date on world events, or just on the latest best sellers, we offer a variety of reading materials. The Rutland Herald is delivered to inpatients on their breakfast trays; copies of the Burlington Free Press, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, New York Times, New York Daily News, New York Post, USA Today and Wall Street Journal are available for purchase from our Gift Shop, as well as books and magazines.