How can I speak to someone immediately about care for me or a loved one?
When you need help right away, we have some quick ways of assisting you. Your patient advocate will help you with anything you need during your stay, including any questions about safety and security. Contact this person by picking up any hospital phone and dialing *55. You may also reach UAB Guest Services from outside the hospital by dialing 205-934-CARE (2273). Condition-HELP is a dedicated phone line (dial 5-6000 from any hospital phone) accessible around the clock every day if you feel that there is a breakdown in communication and a medical emergency is not being recognized or that proper care is not being provided. Condition-HELP is an empowering tool and should be used only after the patient and family have addressed their concerns with their current health care team.
Condition-HELP is just one more way UAB Medicine focuses on patient- and family-centered care. It should be used only after the patient and family have addressed their concerns with their current health care team. At that point, families are encouraged to call 5-6000 if they still feel that:
- There is a noticeable change in their loved one’s condition that needs immediate attention, such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion
- Inability to talk or wake up
- Weakness or numbness
- Condition getting worse
- The immediate needs of their loved one are not being addressed by the care team.
- There is a communication breakdown and they have concerns about the way care is being provided.
The aim of Condition-HELP is to increase patient safety, satisfaction, and quality throughout the hospital and to improve outcomes. Condition-HELP brochures are available in both English and Spanish.
Keywords: care for a loved one