Being Part of the Team

Here at Strong Memorial Hospital you’ll often hear us talk about a team approach to your health care that emphasizes a collaborative effort between patients, families and our staff. For us, this approach is central to The Strong Commitment and our philosophy of care. But what exactly does it mean for you to be a part of the health care team?

Why You are Part of the Team

You and your support person(s) are integral members of the care team and necessary participants in the treatment plan. Not only do you have unique and valuable insight that can affect your care but when you actively communicate with your team, your efforts help us deliver more compassionate care that makes your hospital experience and healing process a more positive one. That’s why we encourage you to communicate openly with us about any questions, needs or concerns you may have. Whether it’s describing what’s important to your lifestyle, questioning a procedure or simply asking for a glass of water––the more we know the better we can help you. Together we can determine a treatment plan that works for you.

How to be an Active Part of the Team

Our ultimate goal is really quite straight-forward. We want to help you heal and have best possible outcome while making your experience as comfortable and positive for you as we can. However, to achieve this we need your help. During your stay we rely on input from you to guide our decision-making. We offer several ways for you to communicate with us: 

• Speak with a nurse. Nurses provide 24-hour bedside care and assistance. At any time or for any reason, please feel free to talk to your nurse and ask him or her questions regarding your care, comfort and concerns. If you prefer, you can ask your support person(s) to speak to the nurse on your behalf. 

• Write it down. A notepad and pen are located on each bedside table. Each page has space for you to write down thoughts and questions as they occur to you. They also prompt you to remember topics that you may want to discuss with your attending physician. Use your notepad to make sure all your questions are answered. You can also ask your physician to write information or instructions down for you. 

• Share concerns with a neutral third person. If you feel a situation is stressful or feel your current communications with family or medical team members are being misunderstood, the University of Rochester Medical Center Patient and Family Relations team is available to help.

When you are an active participant in your health care, your efforts help us deliver better care and make your hospital experience more positive. The more we know about you, the more we build our relationship and work together to improve all the decisions that affect your care and well-being.