Patient Safety
Patient Safety Concerns
Yale Health has many means to address patient safety issues. The first step is to bring concerns to the department chief or manager. Patients may also use the Patient Representative in Member Services for additional support. The Patient Representative can be reached at 203-432-8134.
If patient safety concerns are not addressed by the clinical department leadership or the patient representative, the Joint Commission can receive concerns about patient safety issues. The contact number at the Joint Commission is 800-994-6610. The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit, national body that oversees the safety and quality of health care and other services provided in accredited organizations. Information regarding accreditation and the performance of individual organizations can be obtained through the Joint Commission website.
Safety Incidents
We strongly encourage our staff to report any safety incidents so we may implement systems designed to provide the highest quality of care in a safe environment. Safety incidents are reported using RLDatix, our electronic event reporting system designed to identify and manage risks to patient, staff and visitor safety. All events are reviewed in the Safety Huddle twice a week to determine actions and improvement opportunities. Events are also reviewed by the Patient Safety Oversight group quarterly to guide and prioritize organization wide safety initiatives.
Medical Chaperones for Sensitive Examinations, Treatments and Procedures
In keeping with Yale Health’s continued commitment to treating patients with dignity and respect, we have adopted the use of trained medical chaperones during all sensitive examinations, treatments, or procedures which include exams, treatments, or procedures of the breasts, rectum, or genitalia. All sensitive visits require a chaperone and may not occur without one. Chaperones are an industry best practice and assist both patients and providers in completing visits in a consistent, safe, and respectful manner. Additionally, patients may always request a chaperone be present for any appointments at Yale Health. If you feel uneasy or you need more information about what will happen during your exam, please ask us. We are here to help you. Learn more about the medical chaperones at Yale Health.