Waldo County General Hospital
Two women standing by an x ray device

Quality and Patient Safety

Waldo County General Hospital is committed to providing the best quality and patient safety in the Midcoast. Your safety is our number one focus, and we know that focus will also result in the highest quality of care in our community.

Quality at WCGH

At Waldo County General Hospital, we are constantly striving to improve our quality of care.  It is our goal to meet and exceed the expectations of our patients and their families by providing safe, efficient, high-quality, patient-centered care. 
Our staff is responsible for accurate patient identification. You will be asked regularly during your stay to verify your name and date of birth. This verification is critical to ensuring patient safety.
Your safety is our priority while you are a patient at Waldo County General Hospital. We encourage you and your family to be partners and active participants in your healthcare. During your stay, many people may enter your room, from doctors and nurses to aides.
The Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) serves as a formal organization of current and former patients and family members who are working with and provide input to Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital staff to continuously improve patient and family healthcare experiences. Please visit our page to learn more.  
  • Ask for ID of everyone who comes in your room, all hospital employees wear identification badges
  • Speak up if hospital staff doesn’t ask for your identification
  • Ask if the person washed his or her hands before they touch you. If you are told you need certain tests or procedures, ask why you need them, when they will happen and how long it will be before you get the results

All medications you take while in the hospital are prescribed by your doctor, dispensed by the hospital pharmacy and administered by a nurse. Patients are not permitted to administer their own drugs or keep personal medications at their bedsides, unless authorized by their physician.

Preventing Medication Errors

By taking part in your own care, you can help the members of your healthcare team avoid medication errors. Here’s how:
  • Be sure that all of your doctors know what medications you have been taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal and vitamin supplements, natural remedies and recreational drugs
  • Be sure that all of your doctors know of any allergies you may have to any medications, anesthesia, foods, latex products, etc.
  • When you are brought medications or IV fluids, ask the person to check to be sure you are the patient who is supposed to receive the medications. Show that person your ID bracelet to double-check

Questions?

We are better. together. 

Did we exceed your expectations? Are there areas where you think we can improve? We want to hear from you.

Email a patient

Because we know how important it is for family and friends to stay in touch when someone is hospitalized, Waldo County General Hospital is pleased to offer you the ability to send an e-mail message to a patient during their stay at our hospital.

Latest News

View All

Pen Bay Emergency Department Recognized for Pediatric Readiness

State EMS Director Wil O’Neal, Maine Emergency Services Director, will formally recognize Pen Bay Medical Center as a Pediatric Innovator during a ceremony in front of the hospital’s emergency department entrance on Tuesday, May 7, at 11 am. This event is free and open to the public.

Pen Bay Offers Community Safety and Overdose Awareness Trainings

Pen Bay Medical Center’s Retail Pharmacy and Community Health departments have partnered with two local organizations to bring community safety and overdose awareness trainings to the community.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

If you or someone you care about is sexually assaulted or is experiencing domestic violence, a special group of nurses at Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital, and LincolnHealth in Damariscotta provide safe, compassionate and non-judgmental care.

Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital Seek Vendors for Spring Farmers’ Markets

Local farmers and entrepreneurs are invited to showcase their products at spring farmers’ markets on the campuses of Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital in May.