Preventive Health Practices

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals support preventive health practices. We will provide screenings during your admission process to assess your need for preventive treatment. The following preventive health screenings will be provided to you.

Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine

Pneumonia is a serous disease that causes much sickness and death. Although anyone may get pneumonia, some people are at greater risk from the disease. These include people 65 and older, the very young and people with special health problems such as heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, alcoholism, HIV infection or certain types of cancer. You will be screened upon admission to determine if you meet criteria to receive the pneumococcal vaccine. If you do, the vaccine will be off e red to you.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, which spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. The flu vaccine is recommended for all children six months to five years of age, anyone over 50 years old, women who will be pregnant during flu season, residents of long-term care facilities and anyone with long-term health problems. Flu season lasts from November through May (most cases usually occur in January or February). A yearly vaccine is recommended to protect you from the flu. You will be screened from October through March upon admission to determine if you meet criteria to receive the flu vaccine.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body. The deep veins in the legs, thighs, and hips are the most common sites for DVT. You will be assessed on admission to determine if you are at risk for developing DVT. If it is determined that you are at risk, appropriate care will be provided during your stay. This care may include certain medications, compression stockings or foot pumps.

Preventing Adverse Events in Surgery

Providence takes measures to prevent adverse events following surgical procedures. A pre-procedure verification process properly identifies patients. Surgeons mark correct surgical spots to ensure procedures are performed on the correct site. Prior to surgery, all patients must have an updated medical history and a physical examination. Providence also takes precautions to prevent surgical site infections, including using a long- and short-acting skin preparation. We encourage you to actively participate with us as we perform these safety measures.

Learn more about how we help prevent adverse events during surgery.