Your Health Care Team

John Dempsey Hospital is a teaching hospital. In addition to your physician, your health care team will be made up of nurses, medical students, residents, fellows and other health care professionals. The residents, also called house staff, will see you several times each day. They work under the direction of your physician or a supervising physician who is responsible for your care while you are in the hospital.

One way to get to know the people around you is by looking at their identification badge or name tag. All hospital personnel are required to wear one. If you are not clear who someone is or what their role is, do not hesitate to ask. Once you are familiar with your health care team, you will feel more comfortable asking questions and stating your concerns.

A team approach ensures that someone is always available to care for you and to answer any of your questions. Your health care team is always working to make sure your health and safety are top priorities.

Ask Questions

• Ask questions if you do not understand. It is your health and you have a right to be informed.
• Ask for an interpreter if you are deaf or hearing impaired, or if English is not your primary language.
• If you think of a question when your health care team is not present, write your question down so that you can ask it at a later time.