The Eastern Regional Health Authority's promoting medication safety during this Canadian Patient Safety Week.

Quality and Patient Safety Coordinator Heather Campbell says they're promoting the 5 questions you should be asking when taking a prescribed medication.

"It was originally developed by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, but in partnership with the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety, it's been brought into Manitoba and is currently being promoted. You want to ask why am I on this medication, what are any of the changes that are going on, what are the clear instructions on how to use it, how long will I be on it and what should I be looking for, and what do I need to follow up on. So that's one of the reasons why we chose it."

Campbell explains why they're spreading the word.

"Medication safety is just one topic when talking about patient safety. Really, it's promoting people to become more involved in their health-care, and understanding the care that is being provided to them. It's about opening up a dialogue, an open and healthy communication between clients, patients, residents, family, and the health care providers that work in our region."

She adds the resources are extremely effective, which is why they stand by them. Visit the IERHA.ca website for more. The 5 questions to ask from the IERHA are below.

1. Changes? Have any medications been added, stopped or changed, and why?
2. Continue? What medications do I need to keep taking and why?
3. Proper Use? How do I take my medications and for how long?
4. Monitor? How will I know if my medication is working, and what side effects do I watch for?
5. Follow-up? Do I need any tests and when do I book my next visit?