LANDMARK TM
HOSPITAL
TM
775 Sunset Drive Athens, GA 30606 Phone: 706-425-1518 Fax 706-425-1554
Landmark Hospital is a long-term acute-care facility that provides individualized care to all patients to get them on their pathway to recovery, offering: • Respiratory care and ventilator management • Complex wound care • IV antibiotic treatment • Complex medical needs
Dennise L. Grayson Elder Law Attorney
Elder Law Probate Matters Special Needs Trusts Medicaid Planning Guardianships www.DGraysonLaw.com Downtown Watkinsville, Georgia
706.310.1242
“Where Care Meets Compassion”
Specializing in Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care www.universitynursingandrehabilitationathens.com
180 Epps Bridge Road | Athens, GA www.universitynursingandrehabilitationathens.com
706-549-5382
www.universitynursingandrehabilitation.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 About St. Mary’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Mission and Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Patient Information and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Patient Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Your Hospital Stay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Patient Safety and Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hospital Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Care and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Additional In-House Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Guest Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Billing and Discharge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Care After Discharge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
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WELCOME On behalf of the entire St. Mary’s family, I want to thank you for choosing St. Mary’s for your health care needs. We are here to provide you with the best, most comprehensive care possible, whether you need a simple test or advanced cardiac, orthopedic or neurological procedures. At St. Mary’s, our patients always come first. Our top priority is to help you feel better. We pledge to do our best to meet and exceed your expectations for quality medical care, delivered with compassion and comfort. We hope you are fully satisfied with the care and service you receive. We strive to put our values into practice, day in and day out. Our mission is founded on five pillars of excellence – Service, Quality, People, Finance and Growth. We are here for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Welcome to the St. Mary’s continuum of care. With best regards,
Don McKenna President and CEO St. Mary’s Health Care System, Inc.
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ABOUT ST. MARY’S Founded in 1906, St. Mary’s Health Care System, Inc. (St. Mary’s) is a not-for-profit Catholic health care system whose mission is to be a compassionate healing presence in Athens and Northeast Georgia. St. Mary’s specializes in neurosciences, cardiac care, orthopedics, general medicine/general surgery, women’s and children’s health, and gastroenterology. St. Mary’s offers a 196-bed hospital, emergency care, intensive care, home health care/hospice services, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, wellness center and state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic care, including interventional cardiology. St. Mary’s is proud to be the official health care provider for the University of Georgia Athletic Association and the first hospital in the Athens area to receive specialty certification from The Joint Commission in stroke care, heart failure care, knee replacement surgery, diabetes care and spine surgery.
Awards and Accolades In 2012 and 2013, St. Mary’s has achieved numerous honors for excellence, including: n Ranked #1 in Georgia for stroke care and joint replacement by Healthgrades n Ranked as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades for stroke care, joint replacement, general surgery and gastrointestinal care n Ranked a 5-star hospital by Healthgrades for stroke care, neurosciences, joint replacement, total knee replacement, total hip replacement, treatment of heart failure, gastrointestinal procedures and surgeries, pulmonary disease, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and gallbladder surgery n Recipient of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Gold Plus award for stroke care three years in a row n Named one of America’s 100 best hospitals for patient experience, obstetrics and orthopedics by WomenCertified
Accreditation and Certification St. Mary’s is accredited or certified by: n The Joint Commission (for the hospital, outpatient services facility, and Home Health Care/Hospice Services) n The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, Heart Failure Center, Knee Replacement Surgery Center, Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Center and Spine Surgery Center 3
n Georgia Department of Human Resources, Georgia Department of Community Care and Medicaid (for St. Mary’s Home Health Care/ Hospice Services) n Georgia Department of Community Health (St. Mary’s Highland Hills Village) n Clarke County Health Department and the State of Georgia Health Department (Food and Nutrition Services) n Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and Drug Enforcement Administration (Pharmacy) n College of American Pathologists, Georgia Department of Human Resources and American Association of Blood Banks (Clinical Laboratory) n American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Cardiac Rehabilitation Program) n American College of Radiology: MR scanning for Neuro, Spine, Body, Musculoskeletal, Angiography and Mammography n CARF – Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (Center for Rehabilitative Medicine) n American Academy of Sleep Medicine (St. Mary’s Sleep Disorders Center) n Georgia Department of Human Resources (surgical lasers) n Georgia Department of Labor, Athens-Clarke County Fire Department and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (Facilities and Engineering) n Georgia Department of Human Resources and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (Radiology) n Federal Aviation Administration (heliport) n American Diabetes Association as a recognized Outpatient Diabetes Education Program n American College of Radiology: CT scanning for Brain, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis and Spine License n St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Home Health Care/Hospice Services are licensed by the state of Georgia and Medicaid
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MISSION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Mission We, St. Mary’s Health Care System and Trinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.
Our Vision As a mission-driven, innovative health organization, we will become the national leader in improving the health of our communities and each person we serve. We will be the most trusted health partner for life.
Our Values Reverence for Each Person We honor the sacredness and dignity of every person. Justice We foster right relationships to promote the common good, including sustainability of the Earth. Commitment to Those Who are Poor We stand with and serve those who are poor, especially those most vulnerable. Stewardship We honor our heritage and hold ourselves accountable for the human, financial and natural resources entrusted to our care. Courage We dare to take the risks our faith demands of us. Integrity We are faithful to who we say we are.
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Admissions You were given an identification wristband at the time of admission that must be worn at all times. This ID band provides positive identification to all those who serve you and acts as a safeguard for your protection. St. Mary’s is committed to providing health care services to all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual preference, disability or ability to pay. Our philosophy, mission and values, which are rooted in Catholic social teaching, call us to treat all whom we serve with dignity and respect.
Customer Service St. Mary’s is committed to patient satisfaction. We trust that during your time with us, you experience exceptional medical care where your comfort is a priority. We hope that your needs are anticipated and met by our competent and compassionate staff. If you have any concerns about customer service, patient care or safety at St. Mary’s or any facilities in St. Mary’s continuum of care that are not addressed to your satisfaction, please contact our 100 Percent Line by dialing 100 from any hospital telephone, or, from outside the hospital, call the main hospital number at 706-389-3000 and ask for the 100 Percent Line. You may also call Mission Services at 706-389-3273. Our representatives will work with management staff to address your concerns. If we do not resolve your customer service, patient care or safety concerns, we encourage you to contact The Joint Commission at: Division of Accreditation Operations Office of Quality and Patient Safety The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Phone: 1-800-994-6610 Email: patientsafetyreport@jointcommission.org. Note: The Joint Commission does not address individual billing issues, payment disputes, labor relations issues or individual clinical management of patients.
Excellence 6
PATIENT INFORMATION/RESOURCES Frequently Used Phone Numbers Hospital Main Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-3000 Admitting/Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-2000 Information Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-3835 Case Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-2650 Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-3000 ext. 100 Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-3273 Patient Room Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-3663 Spiritual Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-3429 Your phone number is:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-389-3800 – room # For connection to a department that is not listed above, please call the hospital main number.
St. Mary’s has been the official health care provider for the University of Georgia Athletic Association since 1999. St. Mary’s has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for specialized care in Stroke, Heart Failure, and Total Knee Replacement, Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care and Spine Surgery. 7
Your Medical Records Your medical record is confidential. It may not be released without your written consent or that of your authorized representative unless it is to be used for treatment, payment or health care operations. It contains all of the information gathered and used during your visit to St. Mary’s. You may revoke or limit your consent for the release of your records at any time. You also may specify a time frame for disclosure. After that time, your consent is automatically invalid. Georgia and federal laws allow hospitals to charge for all requests for copies of medical record information. Depending on how many pages you need copied, there might be a charge for copies. Please contact our Release of Information Office for information. To obtain a copy of your medical record, call ext. 3374 from inside the hospital or 706-389-3360 from an outside line, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must complete a Patient Authorization Form to receive a copy. You can expect a response within two weeks, unless your request is noted as medically urgent. You also can view and download your St. Mary’s health information at no charge from our secure online service, MyHealth. Ask your nurse or registration staff for access information.
Confidentiality We recognize the need to maintain patient and other information in a confidential manner. For this reason, patient information will not be shared in an unauthorized manner, and sensitive information concerning personnel and management issues will be maintained in the strictest confidence. Only those individuals authorized to review and act upon such information will utilize it. If, during your stay, you do not want your name to appear on our patient directory showing you as a patient at St. Mary’s, please notify your nurse or call ext. 2000. After this restriction is entered on your record, visitors and callers asking for you will be told that your name does not appear on our patient directory. If you want to have certain family members or friends visit or call, you will need to make sure they know you are here and what room you are in; our operators and volunteers will not be able to assist them in locating you.
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Stewardship
Consent Forms When you are admitted, you will be asked to sign a consent form giving us permission to perform routine care. If you are too ill to sign the form or the patient is a minor, we will ask the appropriate family member to sign the consent form. Of course, in an extreme emergency, in order to protect the patient and to provide the best possible care in a timely fashion, we may have to proceed without the signed consent form.
Patient Rights Each patient has a right to: 1. Be informed of your rights in advance of receiving care. When appropriate, this information is given to you or your representative. 2. Be treated with dignity and respect. 3. Have information provided in a manner you understand according to age, language and ability to understand. 4. Access interpreters and translation services or other alternative communication needs as requested. 5. Have alternative means, such as written materials, signs or interpreters, to communicate appropriately. 6. Have a family member, spouse, domestic partner or friend present for emotional support during the course of your stay. 7. Be free from discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, culture, language, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and physical or mental disability. 8. Have a family member or representative and your own physician notified promptly upon admission to the hospital, if requested. 9. Have accurate assessment and effective treatment of pain. 10. Participate in all aspects of the development and implementation of your plan of care. 11. Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing service and know which physician or other practitioner is primarily responsible for your care. 12. Be informed of your health status in order to give consent prior to the start of procedures and have the right to refuse care, treatment, and services in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
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Integrity
13. Request, at your expense, consultation with specialists. 14. Receive reasonable continuity of care, when appropriate, and be informed by physicians and other caregivers of available and realistic patient care options when hospital care is no longer appropriate. 15. Be transferred to another facility, if medically necessary and permissible, or when patient so requests, after complete explanation to you of the need for such a transfer, including the need, risks, benefits, and alternatives to transfer. The institution and the physician to which you are to be transferred must first have accepted you for transfer. You have the right to expect that services needed and ordered by the physician will be available. You have a right to information that will assist in recovery after discharge from the hospital. 16. Formulate advance directives. 17. Have practitioners and staff provide care that is consistent with these advance directives and if ethical issues arise, have the right to access St. Mary’s Ethics Committee. 18. Express concerns/grievances about your care. You have the freedom to express your concerns/grievances and to recommend improvements without being subjected to coercion, discrimination, reprisals, or unreasonable interruptions to your care, treatment, or services. 19. To seek internal review of a concern/grievance, contact St. Mary’s 100 Percent Line by dialing 100 from any hospital telephone, or, from outside the hospital, call the hospital number 706-389-3000 and ask for the 100 Percent Line. 20. To seek external review of a concern/grievance, you may contact: •
Georgia Department of Community Health Division of Healthcare Facility Regulation DCH Complaint Intake Unit Two Peachtree St., N.W., Suite 31-447 Atlanta, GA 30303-3159 or by phone 1-800-878-6442
•
The Joint Commission Office of Quality and Patient Safety One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 or by phone 1-800-994-6610 or by email patientsafetyreport@jointcommision.org
The Joint Commission does not address individual billing issues, payment disputes, labor relations issues or individual clinical management of patients. 10
21. Receive care in a safe setting free from mental, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 22. Be free from restraints and seclusion of any form used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation by staff. 23. Express your beliefs and cultural practices as long as they do not harm others or violate state, federal, or local laws. 24. Wear personal clothing and other religious articles or symbols as long as they do not interfere with diagnostic procedures or treatment. 25. Be interviewed and examined in privacy, and to have someone of your own gender be present, if requested; assured privacy during personal hygiene activities. 26. Have your communication needs addressed. 27. Have your care and treatment handled confidentially and be assured that your medical record will be read only by authorized individuals. 28. Have easy access to the information contained within your medical record and request an amendment to your medical record. If requested, information must be provided within a reasonable time frame. 29. Be informed of and consent to recording or filming made for purposes other than security or the identification, diagnosis, or treatment of a medical condition. 30. Refuse or accept participation in any experimental, educational or research activities involved in your treatment. 31. Receive information on how to obtain protective services from state agencies. 32. Request and receive an itemized explanation of your total bill for services rendered. 33. Be informed of charges and receive counseling on the availability of known financial resources for health care.
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Patient Responsibilities 1. Give caregivers accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, advance directives and other matters relative to health. 2. Ask about and understand what medical treatments you are to receive. 3. Ask for pain relief when pain first begins, to report when pain is not relieved, and discuss your pain management plan and pain relief options with your doctor and nurses. 4. Follow the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for your care. 5. Abide by St. Mary’s policies. 6. Respect the rights and professional integrity of those providing care. 7. Be considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel, and assist in the control of noise and the number of visitors. 8. Respect the property of other persons and of St. Mary’s. 9. Pay for services not covered by a third-party payor at the time the services are rendered. 10. Observe St. Mary’s tobacco-free and smoke-free policy. 11. Take precautions for personal valuables and belongings by either leaving them at home or asking St. Mary’s staff to provide a safe depository during your hospital stay.
PATIENT CARE Taking an Active Role in Your Care Patient safety is our first priority. During your stay, you will meet many health care workers including physicians, nurses, case managers, and dietitians. We require that all doctors and employees of the hospital wear their identification badges to better help you recognize who is taking care of you. We ask that you take an active role in your care. To help us serve you better, there are a few specific things you can do: n Tell your physicians and nurses as much as you can about your medical history. Be sure to mention implantable medical devices such as artificial joints, pacemakers or cochlear implants. Also let them know about any allergies to food, medicines, or latex that you may have. n Tell them about any medication you are taking, including over-thecounter medicine, eye drops, herbs, and vitamin supplements. n Before you take a test or receive any medication, make sure your caregiver checks your patient wristband and refers to you by name. 12
n If you are scheduled for an operation, make sure you know what surgery you are going to have, and confirm this with your physician and/or those involved in preparing you with surgery. n If you don’t understand why you are taking certain medications, ask. If you are given a new medication that you were not informed about, it’s okay to ask questions. We are happy to answer your questions.
SPEAK UP Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand something, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know. n Your health is too important to worry about being embarrassed. If you don’t understand something that your doctor, nurse, or other health care professional tells you, ask. n Don’t be afraid to ask about safety. If you’re having surgery, for example, ask the physician to mark the area that is to be operated upon, so there’s no confusion in the operating room. n Don’t be afraid to tell the nurse or the doctor if you think you are about to receive the wrong medication. n Don’t hesitate to tell the health care professional if you think he or she has confused you with another patient. n Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything. n Tell your nurse or physician if something doesn’t seem quite right. n Expect health care workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room and look for their identification badges. For example, a new mother should know the person to whom she hands her baby. If you are unsure, ask. n Handwashing includes the use of hand sanitizers located in every room. Ask every visitor to use these hand sanitizers when he or she enters and exits your room. n Know what time of day you normally receive a medication. If it doesn’t happen, bring this to the attention of your nurse or physician. n Make sure your nurse or doctor confirms your identity; that is, he or she checks your wristband or asks your name before he or she administers any medication or treatment.
Caring beyond our walls 13
Educate Yourself Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing and your treatment plan. n Ask your physician about the specialized training and experience that qualifies him or her to treat your illness (and be sure to ask the same questions of those doctors to whom he or she refers you). n Gather information about your condition. Good sources include your physician, your library, respected websites, and support groups. n Write down important facts your doctor tells you, so that you can look for additional information later. Ask your physician if he or she has any written information you can keep. n Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand them before you sign anything. If you don’t understand, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them.
Ask a Family Member or Friend to Be Your Support Person n Your support person can ask questions that you may not think of while you are under stress. n Ask this person to stay with you when you are hospitalized. You will be able to rest more comfortably, and your support person can help to make sure you get the right medications and treatments. n Make sure your support person understands your preferences for care and your wishes concerning resuscitation and life support. n Review consents for treatment with your support person before you sign them and make sure you both understand exactly to what you are agreeing. n Make sure your support person understands the type of care you will need when you return home.
Know Your Medications Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes. n Ask about the purpose of the medication and for written information about it, including its brand and generic names. n Ask about the side effects of the medication. n If you do not recognize a medication, verify it is for you. Ask about oral medications before swallowing, and read the contents of bags of intravenous (IV) fluids. If you’re not well enough to do so, ask your advocate to do this. 14
n If you are given an IV, ask the nurse how long it should take for the liquid to run out. n Before you receive any medication, your nurse will scan the identification on your wristband and then scan the barcode on all the medication to be given at that time. n If you are taking multiple medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to take those medications together. This holds true for vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs, too. n Make sure you can read the handwriting on any prescriptions written by your doctor. If you cannot read it, the pharmacist may not be able to, either. n You and your physician should agree on exactly what will be done during each step of your care. n Know who will be taking care of you, how long the treatment will last and how you should feel. n Understand that more tests or medications may not always be better. Ask your physician what a new test or medication is likely to achieve. n Keep copies of your medical records from previous hospitalizations and share them with your health care team. n Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.
Barcode Medication Administration Some areas within St. Mary’s Health Care System use a barcode medication administration system called Bedside Medication Verification, or BMV, to ensure all patients receive the right medication at the right time in the proper amount. Barcode medication administration uses barcode technology similar to what is used in retail locations every day to read an identifying symbol on each medication and on each patient identification wristband. Before you receive any medication, your nurse will scan the barcode on all medication to be given at that time and then scan the identification on your wristband. BMV uses a computer to compare your doctor’s orders for medication with the drugs being given. Please allow your nurse to scan your wristband. Your identification must be confirmed by scanning your wristband before any medication is administered. If this process does not take place, please notify your care provider.
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YOUR HOSPITAL STAY Patient Rooms Your room is assigned based upon your admitting diagnosis and bed availability on the day of your admission. If you have any problems with your bed, TV, room temperature or other equipment in your room, please tell your nurse and he/she will contact the proper person to correct the situation. Please be aware that there are times when we may need to move you to a different room. In the event we need to relocate you, every effort will be made to ensure the transition is as easy as possible.
Calling Your Nurse Nurses are expected to round on all patients on an hourly basis. If you need to see your nurse between visits, please use the nurse call button located at your bedside or you may reach them by calling the fourdigit number on the whiteboard, which is listed next to your Care Team Member’s name. A staff member will respond to you as soon as possible. Each bathroom also has an emergency nurse call button. Breath-activated call buttons are available for patients who need them.
Bed And Bed Rails For your convenience, beds are electronically adjusted. Control panels are located at your bedside. Your nurse will explain how the controls work. Make sure your bed is in the lowest position when getting in and out. If you are unable to get out of bed, ask to have objects such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, bedside table, nurse call light and the telephone close at hand. For your protection and safety, the side rails on your bed may be raised. If the rails are up on your bed, please do not attempt to lower them by yourself. Press the nurse call button for assistance.
Telephone A bedside telephone is available to patients. n To place a call within the hospital, dial the four-digit extension. n There is no charge for local calls. Dial 9 and the telephone number. n Toll-free calls may be made by dialing 9 and the telephone number. n Long-distance calls cannot be charged to your room. Calling cards can be purchased in the gift shop. n If further assistance is needed, dial 0 for hospital operator assistance.
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Losing weight’s a lot harder than gaining it…
but very much worth the effort.
With every step, you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
It’s not easy. But it is worth it.
Learn how you can help stop diabetes by losing weight, eating healthy and staying active. Visit checkupamerica.org or call 1-800-DIABETES.
We Offer Rehab Through Encore Rehabilitation and Have a Dietitian X-Ray and Dental Services On-Site To provide the best possible care to all who enter our facilities and establish lasting relationships with the residents and families of those we serve. To prove that the time spent in our nursing facilities can improve the quality of life for those who have entrusted themselves into our care.
Hill Haven Nursing Home 880 Ridgeway Road Commerce, GA 30529 706.336.8000 Heardmont Nursing Home 1043 Longstreet Road Elberton, GA 30635 706.283.5429 Nancy Hart Nursing Center 2117 Dr. George Ward Road Elberton, GA 30635 706.283.3335
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What your medicines treat Why you need them How to take them
Questions about your meds? Talk to your doctor or nurse.
Cellphones may be used in the hospital with the following restrictions: n Any cellphone that causes interference with medical devices shall be prohibited from further use. n No cellphones may be used in an intensive care area (ICU, NICU and NCCU).
Television TV sets are provided free of charge in each room. The use of non-hospital electrical devices, such as private televisions, radios, VCRs, DVD players and other electrical appliances, is prohibited because they may pose electrical problems that are unsafe and a threat to patient care.
TV Channel Guide The most up-to-date listing of channels available should be available in your room. Please note that Channel 64 is St. Mary’s Care Channel, which provides soothing music and images to help you relax. If you have questions, please ask your nurse.
Patient Meals – At Your Request® Room Service Dining St. Mary’s offers At Your Request® room service dining for all inpatients. When you are admitted to your room, you will find a menu waiting for you. Our menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as items for children, vegetarians and people with special dietary needs, such as low sodium or liquids only. Guest meals are available for purchase, vouchers are in the Fresh Inspirations Café. Also, for an additional charge for patients and guests, you can order gourmet selections such as filet of salmon, char-grilled, hand-cut steaks or butterfly shrimp for special occasions. To order a meal: n From your room phone, dial FOOD (3663) anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. n Tell us what you want to order. If you are on a modified or restricted diet, our room service operators will help you with your selection. Your satisfaction is very important to us. We strive to make your meals healthy, varied and tasty. Nutrition counseling and diabetes education are available when indicated. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information about these services. St. Mary’s NICU provides state-of-the-art services for premature infants and other babies in need of specialized care. 17
Managing Pain Keeping your pain under control is an important part of your treatment. It is your right to expect effective management of your pain control. Pain is a common problem that requires urgent attention. Always be honest, and don’t be embarrassed when reporting your pain level. Please use the pain scale below to report pain. If you are unable to report your pain verbally, your nurse may use another tool rather than the verbal pain scale. 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
. 0 No Pain
2 Mild, Annoying Pain
6 Distressing, Miserable Pain
4 Nagging, Uncomfortable, Troublesome Pain
8 Intense, Dreadful, Horrible Pain
10 Worst Possible, Unbearable, Excruciating Pain
It is important to keep your pain out of the distressing pain level (5 and above). Do not wait until pain is unbearable before you ask for medication. Staff will ask you about pain on a regular basis. Between those times, you also should let your nurse know if you are experiencing pain. Your pain medication will be ordered routinely or as needed. If you require medication between routine orders, please ask your care provider. If your doctor has prescribed a pain pump or PCA for your control, ONLY YOU (the patient) or the nurse should press the button. Family members and visitors should not press the button. If your pain is not being relieved by medication, or if you have any side effects, please call your nurse or health care provider.
PATIENT SAFETY AND SECURITY Fall Prevention Your safety and that of your visitors is important to us. The best way to help you remain safe is to decrease your chance of falling. Please read the following tips on how you and your family or visitors can reduce your chance of falling. How the patient can help: n Get out of bed only if you have permission to do so from your physician. 18
n Remind the staff to place your call light and other necessities in easy reach. n Use the call button whenever you need help. n If you are in a chair, ask for assistance to get back in bed before you become overtired. n Use assistance when getting into or out of a wheelchair. n Get up slowly from the chair or bed. If you feel weak or dizzy, sit down immediately and call the nurse. n When you are out of bed, wear nonskid slippers. How the family can help: n If you think the patient will need assistance, notify a staff member when you are leaving. n Make sure the call button, telephone and other necessities are within easy reach for the patient. n Help maintain a safe environment by eliminating clutter and taking items home that are not necessities. n Do not assist in transferring the patient unless cleared to do so by the staff. n Tell the staff about any habits the patient may have that could increase the risk of falling (such as wandering, going to the bathroom at night, etc.). n Remind the patient to use the call button. The staff is happy to help.
Preventing The Spread Of Infection Most infections can be prevented from spreading by using basic practices. One of the most important practices is to clean your hands frequently by handwashing or using alcohol hand rub. It is okay to ask anyone coming into your room to clean his or her hands if you do not see him or her do so. Health care workers should clean their hands before and after every patient contact, more often as needed. As a patient, you should clean your hands frequently, especially before you eat, after using the restroom, after using tissues, and before and after touching any dressing, open areas, or any tubes into your body. At St. Mary’s, standard precautions, respiratory hygiene, and transmission-based isolation are used. This means: n Staff members clean their hands frequently. n Staff members wear gloves, gowns and masks if needed for protection from body fluids getting onto their hands, face or clothing. n Staff members clean and disinfect equipment and the environment. 19
n Staff, patients and visitors should cover a cough or sneeze with tissues, cough or sneeze into the elbow, and/or wear a mask to contain or protect against the spray of germs from a cough or sneeze. n Staff and visitors also wear gloves, gowns and/or masks when the patient is in isolation. Ask questions before you have surgery or insertion of a device/tube. Your health care worker will inform you of what you can do, and what we do, to help prevent an infection. Drug-resistant germs have become an increasing problem everywhere. Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics have helped to cause this problem. Anyone can get these germs, but certain people are at higher risk than others. People at increased risk may have: n A weakened immune system (due to chronic or critical illness, such as HIV/AIDS, certain medicines such as steroids or chemotherapy, or being a newborn or older adult, etc.). n Tubes or wounds. n Frequent health care contact. n Frequent or multiple antibiotics. n Frequent contact with someone who already has the resistant germ. Some ways you can help protect yourself against these germs and the infections they may cause are: n Clean your hands frequently. n Clean and cover open wounds. n Let your doctor decide if you actually need an antibiotic; do not insist on one. n Take only antibiotics your doctor prescribes to you and take them as directed. n Take all of the prescription unless your doctor tells you to stop. For the protection of our patients and staff, we ask that your friends and family members not visit if they are sick. Please limit the number of visitors if you must be in isolation, and also limit visits by young children (they may be at higher risk of getting or bringing an infection). All visitors should clean their hands when entering and leaving your room or the hospital.
Safety Goals As a Joint Commission accredited hospital, St. Mary’s is committed to meeting National Patient Safety Goals for hospitals as outlined by The Joint Commission. 20
These goals focus on potential problems in health care safety and how to avoid or solve them. The goals listed have been set for hospitals by The Joint Commission with the purpose of improving patient safety. 1. Identify patients correctly. 2. Improve staff communications. 3. Use medicines safely. 4. Prevent infection. 5. Check patient medicines. 6. Identify patient safety risks. For more information on The Joint Commission Hospital National Patient Safety Goals, please visit www.jointcommission.org.
No Smoking Because we care about the health of our patients and staff, St. Mary’s is a tobacco-free facility. Please do not smoke or use tobacco in your room or other areas of the hospital or hospital campus.
Fire Drills Periodically, the hospital conducts fire drills in compliance with local fire safety laws and hospital accreditation standards. Your nurse will keep you informed.
HOSPITAL SERVICES Care and Support Hospitalists At St. Mary’s, we are an independent group of board-certified internal medicine physicians who are dedicated to providing quality care while ensuring patient satisfaction. These physicians, known as hospitalists, serve as a liaison between St. Mary’s medical staff and primary care physicians when patients can no longer be cared for in an office setting. To ensure seamless patient care, hospitalists keep the primary care physician informed of patient status while an inpatient at St. Mary’s and are on call 24 hours a day for any questions or emergencies. Upon discharge from the hospital, St. Mary’s hospitalists also work with your primary care physician to arrange further treatment, follow-ups, prescribe necessary medications and send medical records to your physician.
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Mission Services At St. Mary’s, pastoral care is an integral part of our total care for the patient. We have a dedicated staff of qualified chaplains available to provide spiritual care in accord with the patient’s religious beliefs. We also would be happy to contact your priest, minister or rabbi for you during your hospital stay. You may contact the Mission Services Department directly by dialing 0 and asking the operator to connect you to the chaplain. Your nurse also will be happy to assist you with this. A chapel, located in the main lobby, is available for private prayer and meditation. Everyone is welcome. Social Workers Our social workers are masters-prepared professionals who serve as a resource for care coordination through the discharge planning process. They also can provide emotional support for those suffering from unique feelings created by illness, hospitalization and surgery. For additional information, contact your nurse or call 706-389-2650. Palliative Care St. Mary’s Palliative Care Department is a consultative service that works with the hospital physician to relieve suffering, assist with goals of care and optimize quality of life for individuals and their families facing a chronic or life-limiting illness. The palliative care team includes registered nurse, counselor, chaplain and medical director. They work with the hospital team to facilitate communication, manage symptoms and promote patient dignity and respect at all times. St. Mary’s has two palliative care suites available to offer a peaceful setting for patients and their families during a symptom crisis or at the end of life. For more information, please call ext. 2652. Interpretation A Spanish language interpreter is available from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Interpretation services also are available on an as-needed basis on weekends and at night. Please ask your nurse for assistance in contacting an interpreter. Sign language interpretation is available. Contact the language interpreter at ext. 2672 or 3273. Environmental Services Our Environmental Services staff is here to ensure the cleanliness of your room and fulfill your housekeeping requests. For housekeeping assistance, dial ext. 1355. For maintenance assistance, dial ext. 2550, ask your nurse for assistance or dial 0 for the hospital operator.
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Hospital Volunteers/St. Mary’s Auxiliary Our volunteers and Auxiliary members are part of a long and proud tradition of caring at St. Mary’s. Volunteers bring their time, skill and compassion to our health services. They brighten the patients’ days and lighten the staff’s workload. Anyone age 15 or older can volunteer. Many teenagers volunteer to learn about the health care industry and gain useful experience. Volunteer opportunities range from quiet office work to technical jobs or social interaction with the patients. We will make use of whatever talents you can offer. Ongoing volunteer services include: n Escort Service
n Hospice Services
n Flower Desk
n Information Desk
n Fundraising/Special Events
n Sunshine Service
n Gift Shop
n Thrift Store
College student volunteers are required to volunteer three to four hours a week on a set schedule. Auxiliary members need to volunteer a total of at least 60 hours per calendar year, following a set schedule. For more information on volunteering, please call 706-389-2090. Hospice volunteers complete a separate application and training process; for more information on becoming a hospice volunteer, please call 706-389-2273. Physician Referring Services Finding a doctor who can meet your needs is important to long-time residents and newcomers alike. Insurance, office location and hours, training and background are all important considerations. St. Mary’s free Physician Referral Line is 706-389-3892 and provides information on more than 500 local physicians and specialists on staff at St. Mary’s. You also can access information about our medical staff using the “Find A Physician” feature of our website at www.stmarysathens.org.
Additional In-House Services Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) An ATM is available 24 hours a day in the 1st Floor elevator B lobby. Gift Shop St. Mary’s Gift Shop sells toiletries, flowers, candy, cards, magazines, clothing and gift items. It is located on the 1st Floor beside the Atrium Lobby. The Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Gift Shop gladly accepts phone orders and major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard and Discover. The Gift Shop phone number is 706-389-2548. 23
Fresh Inspirations Café St. Mary’s Fresh Inspirations Café offers hot and cold selections seven days a week. Our chef’s services include: Hot Entrees & Vegetables, a Carvery, Grill, Pizza, International Action Station, Soup & Salad Bar, Desserts & Treats, Beverage Bar, and ready-made Grab & Go selections. (Some stations have specific service hours.) Cafeteria serving hours are: Weekdays: 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., closed from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. daily Weekends: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., closed from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. daily Vending machines are located in the Emergency Department waiting room, in the staff elevator lobby on the 1st Floor, and on Sister Sara’s Patio outside the cafeteria. Jittery Joe’s Jittery Joe’s coffee bar is open for business in the St. Mary’s Hospital atrium lobby. Jittery Joe’s provides traditional “bookstore coffee shop fare,” including hot and cold coffee drinks, teas and chai lattes, plus a limited offering of pastries. Hours may vary. Jittery Joe’s generously donates a portion of proceeds from the coffee bar to St. Mary’s Foundation to support St. Mary’s mission, values and services. Please contact 706-389-3926 for more information.
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GUEST SERVICES Visiting Hours General visiting hours for St. Mary’s Hospital and its nursing units are 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. A support person appointed by the patient may stay with the patient throughout the hospital stay for emotional support. The Intensive Care Unit’s (ICU) visiting hours are at the discretion of nursing management. ICU visits should be kept to 15 minutes with no more than two family members at one time. The Family Birth Center’s visiting hours are 24 hours a day for the primary support person. For all other visitors, hours are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Only one adult may stay with the patient overnight.
Visitor Information Visitors are especially welcome at St. Mary’s. We know how much your presence means to a loved one who is in the hospital, so we go the extra mile to make you comfortable. Here is a quick look at essential information you, as a visitor, need to know. For questions, please call 706-389-3000. n A support person appointed by the patient may stay with the patient throughout the hospital stay for emotional support. n General visiting hours: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Special arrangements should be made for visitors under the age of 14. n People with colds, sore throats, flu-like symptoms, or any contagious diseases should not visit. n Visitors and patients should be considerate of others and help St. Mary’s keep a quiet environment conducive to healing. n St. Mary’s provides a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment for its patients, staff, and visitors. Tobacco use is not allowed anywhere on St. Mary’s campus. n Parents of newborns are more than visitors at St. Mary’s. Our Labor-Delivery-Recovery-Postpartum (LDRP) rooms are designed to accommodate more than one person, with special full-size, pull-out beds, Internet connections, and more. n Be sure to check out our gourmet selections for a special celebration dinner. n Close family members are welcome to visit mothers and new babies. Close family members include grandparents and brothers and sisters of the newborn. n Parents/guardians must stay with children under age 18 who are inpatients at St. Mary’s. 25
n To ensure the well-being of our patients, some units—such as the ICU—limit visitation. In addition, visitation for certain patients may be limited, based on their individual needs. Please check with the unit where your friend or loved one is a patient before visiting. n During surgery, family members may wait in the patient’s room or two family members may wait in the surgery waiting room on the 2nd Floor. Our staff will relay messages to family members when possible. n Visitor parking is provided in the parking deck near St. Mary’s main entrance off Baxter Street. There is a fee for parking. n Visitors arriving before or after general visiting hours should enter and exit through the Emergency Department. n Visitors are welcome at St. Mary’s Fresh Inspirations Café Cafeteria, located on the 1st Floor. Services include a soup and salad bar, hot entrées, grill, deli, beverages, desserts, and ready-made salads and sandwiches. Not all services are available at all operating hours. For serving hours and more, turn to page 24. n General visitation may be limited or terminated during times of emergency, epidemics or other situations that pose a danger to patients, visitors or staff. n Visitors are invited to use our chapel for prayer and reflection. It is located just off the Atrium Lobby on the 1st Floor. The chapel is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Parking Patients and visitors should park in our parking deck, located in front of the hospital off Baxter Street. The deck provides convenient patient parking for Registration, Outpatient Diagnostics, the Emergency Department, Endoscopy, Family Birth Center and other patient care areas. Parking for Children’s Specialty Services is located in front of the freestanding facility behind the hospital. To help ensure that St. Mary’s can continue to meet our growing need for safe, well-maintained parking on the main hospital campus, we charge a fee for parking. Rates may be subject to change without notice; please check the current price list posted at parking area entrances. Payment can be made by: n Cash n Credit/Debit card n MasterCard n Visa n Discover n American Express We’re sorry; we cannot accept personal checks for parking at this time. 26
Area Lodging The following hotels are within a few miles of St. Mary’s Hospital Country Inn and Suites 236 Old Epps Bridge Road 706-612-9100
Courtyard by Marriott 166 North Finley Street 706-369-9116
Hampton Inn 2220 West Broad Street 706-548-9600
Holiday Inn 197 East Broad Street 706-549-4433
Howard Johnson 2465 West Broad Street 706-548-1111
Holiday Inn Express 513 West Broad Street 706-546-8122
Best Western Colonial Inn 170 North Milledge Avenue 877-574-2464
Hotel Indigo 500 College Avenue 877-270-1410
BILLING AND DISCHARGE Hospital Bill Having concerns regarding your bill should not have to be a burden, especially while you are sick. In keeping with our mission and commitment to our community, St. Mary’s offers several payment options and financial assistance programs for all of our patients. We have financial counselors available before, during, or after your stay who are committed to helping you. Our financial counselors can: n Offer you discounts on your hospital bill, including prompt payment discounts. We accept cash, check, or major credit cards. n Offer you an interest-free payment arrangement to help you with your hospital bill. n Review your eligibility and assist you with applying for Medicaid or other government programs. n Help you access our Charity Care and Financial Assistance Program if you are not eligible for Medicaid or other government programs.
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Insurance Coverage All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital’s billing procedures and charges. If you have health insurance, we will need a copy of your insurance identification card.
Charity Care and Financial Assistance Program St. Mary’s is a community of people serving together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities. Aligned with our core values, in particular that of commitment to those who are poor, we provide care for people who are in need and give special consideration to those who are most vulnerable, including those who are unable to pay and those whose limited means make it extremely difficult to meet the health care expenses incurred. St. Mary’s is committed to: n Providing access to quality health care services with compassion, dignity and respect for those we serve, particularly the poor and the underserved in our communities. n Caring for all persons, regardless of their ability to pay for services. n Assisting patients who cannot pay for part or all of the care that they receive. Our financial counselors will help you through the screening process with dignity. Please call ext. 2020 while in the hospital or 706-389-2020 if calling from outside the hospital.
Discharge Instructions Your Discharge On the day of your admission, we begin to plan to meet your discharge needs. When your doctor decides you are ready to go home, he or she will write an order for discharge. These instructions will vary based on your condition, procedure and medication. Please make arrangements for a ride home. Your nurse will make the call for you if you need assistance. Please be patient during this time because your nurse will need time to prepare discharge instructions before you leave. Discharge Instructions Your doctor and nurse will provide written instructions about how to care for yourself at home based on your condition, procedure and medication. Please be sure to ask any questions at this time. Appointments to be made after your discharge will be noted in discharge instructions. Please call to make the appointments as soon as possible after you are discharged. At this time, you will be given any prescriptions the doctor has written for you and information about the medications. When you are ready to leave, a hospital employee will take you from your room to meet your ride. 28
CARE AFTER DISCHARGE There are occasions when patients need additional treatment or care after they are discharged from the hospital. St. Mary’s Health Care System offers services to meet these needs. See the following portion of this guide for a complete list of services offered in St. Mary’s continuum of care. Please let your nurse know if you feel you or your family member has a need for any of these types of care.
St. Mary’s Continuum of Care St. Mary’s offers the following services in its continuum of care: n ST. MARY’S MEDICAL GROUP. St. Mary’s Medical Group is made up of a growing network of physician practices including specialties in cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, family practice, infectious disease, industrial medicine, endocrinology, and residency clinic. These practices include Oconee Heart and Vascular Center, Northeast Cardiology, St. Mary’s Neurological Specialists, Athens Internal Medicine Associates, Athens General and Colorectal Surgeons, St. Mary’s Women’s Center, Middle Georgia Medical Associates, St. Mary’s Industrial Medicine, Johnson & Murthy Family Medicine, Infectious Disease Specialists of Athens, Georgia Family Medicine, Hometown Pediatrics, Clear Creek OB/GYN, Endocrine Specialists of Athens, and Community Internal Medicine of Athens. For more information, please visit www.stmarysathens.org or call 706-389-3000. n ST. MARY’S HOME HEALTH CARE. St. Mary’s Home Health Care Services bring care directly to you, in your home. Nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, home health aides, and more are available to patients who meet home health care admission criteria. All of St. Mary’s services are provided with the compassionate touch that has distinguished St. Mary’s for decades. Home health also provides telehealth monitoring to keep you in touch daily with a nurse. For more information, please call 706389-2273, or toll-free in Georgia, 1-800-822-3381. n CARE ALERT. St. Mary’s Care Alert service enables people to continue to live in their home by providing the security of knowing assistance is available 24 hours a day at the push of a button. From general concerns about falling to medication reminders, Care Alert helps people maintain safe and independent lives at home. For more information on Care Alert services, please call 706-389-3296.
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ST. MARY’S HOSPICE SERVICES n ST. MARY’S HIGHLAND HILLS VILLAGE. Located at 1660 Jennings Mill Road, Watkinsville. Highland Hills Village offers 77 independent living apartments, 18 assisted living apartments and a 34-bed memory care community. For more information, please call 706-353-8840. n ST. MARY’S CENTER FOR ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE. Located at Highland Hills Village, 1660 Jennings Mill Road, Watkinsville, this service incorporates the latest innovations in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. The center features facilities designed to maximize safety and comfort, decrease stress, and encourage visits from friends and loved ones. For more information, please call 706-353-8840. n ST. MARY’S OUTPATIENT DIAGNOSTIC REHAB & WELLNESS CENTER. Located at The Exchange, 2470 Daniells Bridge Road, just off Ga. 316 near the Athens Perimeter. Parking is free. This convenient facility includes outpatient radiology, wellness center, outpatient rehabilitation, sleep disorders center and an outpatient blood draw lab. • Outpatient Radiology, including mammography, bone density scanning, ultrasound, X-ray, CT and MRI. Care is delivered inside a spacious and welcoming center with private dressing rooms, comforting décor and lots of natural light. 706-389-2060. • St. Mary’s Wellness Center, a medical fitness facility offering a wide range of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, classes, and medical wellness programs including Phase III cardiac and pulmonary rehab, post-rehab. Massage therapy, personal training, fitness assessments, exercise prescriptions and health coaching are all part of the services offered at the Wellness Center. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is more than happy to help you achieve your health and wellness goals while recognizing your individual needs and medical limitations. A variety of membership options are available. Nutritional Services by a registered dietitian are available. A variety of packages are available to people of all ages by appointment and no doctor’s order is required. Nonmembers as well as members can take advantage of this service. 706-389-3355. • Outpatient Rehabilitation, featuring physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology, along with educational services for outpatients of all ages. St. Mary’s Outpatient Rehab is committed to improving quality of life by reducing pain and maximizing the functionality of patients with disabilities or physical injuries through comprehensive, individualized care. Our highly
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trained staff works with patients to evaluate, assess pain levels and create, implement and track progress of personalized therapy plans. 706-389-2950. • Sleep Disorders Center, providing quality care in diagnosing and treating outpatients ages 13 to adult who have sleeping disorders. The center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is staffed by Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. It features a four-bed diagnostic facility with stateof-the-art digital equipment, individual suites with queen beds and private baths. 706-389-3200. • Outpatient Blood Draw Lab, providing a convenient Coumadin Clinic and blood collection services for any physician-ordered lab work. 706-389-2400. n OUTPATIENT DIABETES EDUCATION. St. Mary’s is committed to helping you manage your diabetes. Our Diabetes Education Department is accredited by the American Diabetes Association and offers individual appointments, diabetes education classes and a support group. Classes cover all aspects of diabetes self-management from nutrition to reducing risk of diabetes-related complications. A physician’s referral is needed. For more information, call 706-389-2060. n CENTER FOR REHABILITATIVE MEDICINE. Located on the 5th Floor of St. Mary’s Hospital, the Center for Rehabilitative Medicine provides intensive inpatient care for patients recovering from a variety of debilitating conditions and illnesses, including stroke, certain major surgeries, Parkinson’s disease and more. Coupling nursing care with at least three hours a day of physical, occupational and/or speechlanguage therapy, the center helps many patients return to independent living. 706-389-3550. n CHILDREN’S SPECIALTY SERVICES. Located in a freestanding facility behind St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Children’s Specialty Services brings medical experts in pediatric care to Athens so families do not have to travel to distant cities for care. Pediatric specialists provide office visits, assessments, follow-ups and ongoing care in specialties ranging from endocrinology to rheumatology. 706-389-2800. n ST. MARY’S CENTER FOR WOUND HEALING. Located at 4017 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, the St. Mary’s Center for Wound Healing utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to managing chronic, non-healing wounds. Our goal is to provide compassionate care and patient education to help prevent amputations and improve quality of life. 706-389-3065. For more information about St. Mary’s services, please visit our website at www.stmarysathens.org.
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Foundation If you or a loved one has been a patient at St. Mary’s Hospital, you may have encountered a doctor, nurse, technician, or staff member who brought you extra comfort in a time of need. We invite you to say thank you to that individual or department who made a difference in your life. St. Mary’s Foundation offers the patients and their families the opportunity to show gratitude by making a gift in memory or in honor of loved ones, relatives, employees, doctors or services received, to celebrate an occasion, or a general donation to St. Mary’s. When a gift is made, the person or department whom you are honoring will receive an acknowledgement letter recognizing this gracious donation without listing the amount. The mission of St. Mary’s Foundation is to improve and enhance services provided for the patients and residents of St. Mary’s and to ensure these services are available to those who need them most by providing opportunities for giving. St. Mary’s Foundation partners with individuals, organizations, physicians and employees to raise necessary funds and awareness to ensure St. Mary’s Health Care System thrives for years to come. Thank you for your support. For more information or to make a gift, please contact St. Mary’s Foundation at 706-389-3926 or foundation@stmarysathens.org.
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Services include treatment for: • Chronic kidney disease • Dialysis • Hypertension • Diabetes
• Anemia • Pre and post kidney transplants
Dr. Rene B. Mackay
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology 1360 Caduceus Way, Building 400, Suite 104 (Located in the 316 Professional Quarter Medical Complex)
Our staff is bilingual in English and Spanish
Watkinsville, GA 30677 Phone: (706) 850-8135 ∙ Fax: (706) 548-9101 www.gakidneys.com
AUDIOLOGISTS Dr. Jennifer Douberly Dr. Lawrence Crockett Dr. Kirstin Luffler “Best Hearing Center” 10 years in a row
Where you can TRUST what you hear. Thank you for choosing Georgia Hearing Center – Serving Athens and surrounding communities for over 33 years. SERVICES: • Hearing and Balance Assessments • Hearing aids sales and services • Hearing protection for musicians, work and play • Swim molds, Noise Reduction molds • Industrial Screenings
706.546.5689
150 Nacoochee Ave • Athens • www.georgiahearingcenter.com
Only those who care for others know what it’s really like to care for others. That’s why AARP created a community with experts and other caregivers to help us better care for ourselves and for the ones we love. ®
aarp.org/caregiving or call
1-877-333-5885
Award-winning Health Care 2015 Healthgrades
america’s 2015 Healthgrades
hospitals joint replacement general surgery gastrointestinal care
%
Gold-Plus Performance Award for Stroke Care
in nation patient safety joint replacement treatment of stroke overall gi services general surgery women’s health
– American Heart/ Stroke Association
America’s Best Hospitals obstetrics patient experience 2015 Healthgrades
5 star rating
Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval advanced primary stroke center spine surgery total knee replacement advanced inpatient diabetes care total hip replacement
Chest Pain Center – Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care
selected by uga athletics as the official health care provider since 1999
©2015 St. Mary’s
gallbladder removal respiratory failure care heart failure care stroke care knee replacement hip replacement treatment of copd treatment of gi bleed treatment of bowel obstruction
heart failure center