speak up

If you or your child has questions or concerns, you have the right to ask and get a response from the doctor or nurse that makes sense to you. To help, share your answers to these questions with hospital staff.

• What language would you and your child prefer to speak?
  
• Do you or your child need glasses, hearing aids or other devices to help with talking to hospital staff?
  
• Do you prefer to hear, read or see pictures of health information?
  
• Do you or your child have any cultural, ethnic or religious-based special needs?

And Remember, Take Charge of Your Communication:

• Ask About Jargon: If you hear a medical term you don’t understand, ask what it means.
• Teach Back: After you get instructions or an explanation, repeat back what you thought you heard so you can double-check that you understood.
• Take Notes: Write down any key facts so you won’t forget.