YOUR ADMISSION
Your admission to the hospital was arranged by your physician who is a member of our medical staff. You will be requested to provide information for your medical file and sign forms authorizing the hospital and physicians to provide treatment. Consent forms for minors must be signed by a parent or guardian.
You have the right to request full information about planned tests and procedures. Information explaining your rights can be found in the back of this book. We are committed to your complete satisfaction, and we welcome the opportunity to hear from you or your family. The information you provide enables us to improve our services and allows us to recognize the effort of our employees. We encourage our patients and family to share with us any concerns or issues
they might have. If you have a problem at any time during your stay, please ask to speak to the house supervisor.
Rapid Response
If at any time you or your family member is concerned that you need immediate assistance, you can dial 2555 on your phone and a team of staff will come to your assistance.
PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to make your stay with us as pleasant and productive as possible, it is necessary that you have knowledge of certain expectations regarding your responsibilities as a patient. They include:
• Providing to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health.
• Reporting unexpected changes in your condition to the responsible practitioner.
• Reporting whether you clearly understand a proposed course of action and what is expected of you.
• Following the treatment plan recommended by your physician primarily responsible for your care. This may include instructions of nurses and other health personnel as they carry out your plan of care, implement the physician’s orders, and enforce applicable hospital rules and regulations.
• Keeping appointments and, when unable to do so for any reason, notifying the responsible practitioner or hospital.
• Your clinical outcomes or consequences if you refuse treatment or don’t follow the practitioner’s instruction.
• Asking questions if you don’t understand your treatment plan.
• Assuring that the financial obligations of your healthcare are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
• Following hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
• Being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and for assisting in the control of noise, smoking, and the number of visitors.
• Being considerate of the property of others and the hospital.
CHECKING IN
You will be issued an identification bracelet at the time of your check-in. It should be worn for the entire duration of your hospital stay. Proper identification is essential in meeting your
healthcare needs as ordered by your physician. All tests and treatments are identified by your identification bracelet, and we ask that you keep it on at all times until you are discharged.
MEDICATIONS
Medicines brought from home are not permitted in the hospital unless cleared through your admitting physician or hospital policy. This is to protect you from possible harmful interactions
with medications you may receive while hospitalized. Always tell your nurse what type of prescription or over-the-counter medication you have been taking. If you are to continue taking medication after you leave the hospital, be sure to obtain a prescription from your doctor.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Your physician will determine the amount of physical activity that is safe for you during your hospitalization such as getting out of bed, walking, sitting in a chair, showering, etc. Patients
have a tendency to overestimate their physical strength, so please ask for assistance and follow instructions.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
All tests are ordered by your physician and may involve restrictions in diet, medications, or physical activity. Hospital personnel will explain these requirements to you before testing. You may be transported to another department to have a test performed. In some instances, a test may be initiated right in your room.
MEALS
Menus are planned to meet the guidelines for a healthy diet. Your food preferences will be honored to the extent allowed by your ordered diet. A registered dietitian is available should you have any questions. Meals are available in the cafeteria at a nominal charge for family members and visitors.
VALUABLES
The hospital cannot accept responsibility for loss or breakage of personal items brought into the hospital. We discourage you from keeping large amounts of money, credit cards, jewelry or
expensive items with you during your stay. If you have brought any of these items with you, please have a friend or family member take them home or arrange to have them put into the
hospital safe. When you are discharged, be sure to check around the room, including all drawers and closets, for personal items.
You can make your stay more pleasant by following a few simple requests regarding your personal possessions:
• Do not leave personal items on bedside tables. Place them in the bedside table drawer when not in use.
• Never place glasses, dentures, or hearing aids on food trays or tissue boxes. It’s easy to forget them and have them discarded accidentally.
• Never place items under a pillow or sheet for safekeeping. They may be taken to the laundry where they could be damaged or lost. If any of your personal property is missing, please contact your nurse immediately.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
You may use the call light at your bedside or in the bathroom whenever you need assistance. Never use a bedside cabinet or over-the-bed table for support because it might slip or roll. Always put on your slippers when you get out of bed, and use your call light if you need help. These precautions will prevent falls and assist us in making your stay a safe one.