For Patients and Families:
Wristbands are used in hospitals to quickly communicate certain healthcare information. Some are colorcoded and designate specific healthcare conditions or patient status to readily alert everyone who cares for a patient.

The different colors have different meanings. In addition, words are included on the colored bands to further reduce the chance of confusion.

Heritage Valley Health System facilities have joined the Pennsylvania Department of Health initiative that standardizes the colors of bands state –wide to provide the safest environment for our patients.

Colors and Meanings:

Patients wearing this band have alerted hospital staff to known allergies such as food, medications, dust, etc. Hospital staff will always confirm the specific allergy information by consulting the patient’s medical record.

Our hospital wants to prevent falls at all times. When a patient wears this band, it alerts staff that the patient needs to be assisted when walking or getting up.

How Can You Help?
Remove any community or “Social cause” colored bands when coming to the hospital to avoid any possible confusion among these bands and those used for purposes of your health care.

• Only wear wristbands placed by our hospital staff.
• Tell the hospital staff about all allergies you may have as well as any tendency to lose your balance.
• Tell your nurse if a wristband falls off during your stay.
• Leave the wristbands in place at time of discharge.