You can feel confident that Mayo Clinic Health System will provide a safe and secure environment for you and your baby during your stay. The following safety and security measures are in place for you and your family:
Patient identification
Staff will be asking you to identify yourself by stating your name and birthdate prior to taking blood samples, administering medications or performing any other procedures. If you will undergo a surgical procedure, extra steps will be taken to ensure proper patient identification prior to the procedure.
Staff
Dedicated scrub uniforms and photo nametags identify Obstetrics & Gynecology staff. Students may wear different scrubs, but they also will also have a nametag. These are the only people authorized to have direct contact with your baby. Mayo Clinic Health System employees wear picture ID badges. If you have any questions or concerns, please call for your nurse.
Secure unit
The birth center and special care nursery doors are locked at all times. Only birth center and approved hospital staff (lab and x-ray, for example) have access to the floor. For your baby's safety, never leave your baby unattended. Always transport your baby in the crib. ID bands will be matched against that of your baby. We encourage newborns to stay in the room with their moms, so there are rarely babies in the nursery.
Safe sleep
You will learn about safe sleep techniques for baby, such as placing your baby on his/her back on a firm surface, and always having the baby sleep in a bassinet and not in a bed with you.
Infant security
In addition to the numbered identification band, your infant also will be wearing a security sensor that alarms in certain conditions. This identification system provides a system to ensure that the correct babies are given to the correct moms. Be sure your baby has both an identification band and security sensor on at all times. Tell your nurse if one falls off.
Digital footprints
Mayo Clinic Health System has replaced ink footprints with digital scans. The free scans are available for parents as a keepsake. A nurse will provide parents with a password that they will use to access the foot scans through the website. Footprints are available 48–72 hours after baby's footprint session. Go to firstfootprint.com to customize, share or print keepsakes.