www.smh-nj.org 350 Boulevard Passaic, NJ 07055 973-365-4300
EASE THE TRANSITION
From Hospital to Home
SPEAK UP!
Ask Questions & Voice Concerns
STAY SAFE
Telephone Directory
Patient Guide
• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living • Medical Supervision and Assistance • Medication Administration • Podiatry Care • Health Monitoring • Education Health Updates • Dietary Counseling • Nutritious Meals and Snacks
• Door-to-Door Transportation • Community Information and Referral • Social Work Services • Counseling • Socialization • Group and Individual Activities • Recreational Activities • Salon Care
T: 973-662-9191 • F: 973-662-1112 263 Hillside Avenue • Nutley, NJ 07110 • hmo@njadultdaycare.com
UNKNOWN
Other people may be there to help us, teach us, guide us along our path, but the lesson to be learned is always ours.
In This Guide Welcome to St. Mary’s General Hospital 3 About Us 4 Our Commitment to Care 5 Your Satisfaction 6 Telephone Directory 7 During Your Stay 8-16 Visiting Hours 8 Visitor Passes 8 Visitor Guidelines 8 Waiting Rooms and Visitor Lounges 8 Financial Forms 9 Consent Forms 9 Patient Information 9 Public Restrooms 10 Telephone 10 Cellphones 10 Parking 10 Transportation and Directions 10 Your Room 10 Housekeeping Services 11 Calling Your Nurse 11 Providing Information 11 Interpreters 11 For the Hearing Impaired 11
15 Speak Up Take charge of your care.
16 Stay Safe You can contribute to healthcare safety.
OUR ADDRESS
350 Boulevard Passaic, NJ 07055 www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
The editorial content displayed here is the responsibility of PatientPoint. This material is for your educational use only. It does not contain, nor should it be construed as containing, medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any lifestyle or treatment changes. Sponsors are responsible for the material provided, and your healthcare provider’s participation in the program does not represent an explicit or implied endorsement of any material presented. The people shown are models and are not known to have any health condition. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Image credits: Getty Images, iStockphoto. ©2015 PatientPoint ®
1
In this Guide continued During Your Stay continued
20 Do You Have Pain? Make your stay as comfortable as possible.
28 Preparing to Leave the Hospital
31 For the Caregiver Your role as patient advocate.
2
Mail and Flowers 11 Valuables 12 Lost and Found 12 Security 12 Medications from Home 12 Smoking 12 Fire Safety 13 Electrical Appliances 13 TV 13 ATM 13 Patient Meals 13 Channel Listing 13 Cafeteria 14 Gift Shop 14 Pastoral Care 14
Speak Up Stay Safe Do You Have Pain? Patient Bill of Rights
15 16-19 20 21-24 21 23
What are Your Advance Directives? Your Privacy & Information Preparing to Leave the Hospital For the Caregiver Hospital Services Advocacy & Services for Patients and Families Stop Smoking Today Games
24-26 26-27 28-30 31 32-35
Patient Rights Patient Responsibilities
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
36 37 38-40
Welcome to St. Mary’s General Hospital Overview—St. Mary’s General Hospital is a community- St. Mary’s General based tertiary medical center. It is an acute-care hospital providing a range of cardiovascular services as well as a comprehensive program for cancer care. St. Mary’s General Hospital also is a center of excellence for maternal-child health and outpatient behavioral health services. It is the only hospital in Passaic and the closest ER to many of the surrounding communities. With over 550 physicians and 1,200 employees, it is one of the largest employers in the county. St. Mary’s General Hospital is a member of the Prime Healthcare System family, which has been lauded as a “Top 15 Healthcare System” by Truven Health Analytics.
Mission—As part of the Prime Healthcare System, St. Mary’s General Hospital endeavors to provide comprehensive, quality healthcare in a convenient, compassionate, and cost-effective manner. Vision—St. Mary’s General Hospital vision is to
Hospital on the web St. Mary’s General Hospital website features up-to-date information such as news, events, job opportunities, directions, transportation, complete phone directory and much more. For more information on all this and everything listed in this patient guide, please visit www.smh-nj.org.
St. Mary’s General Hospital Facebook Page Stay in touch
consistently be at the forefront of evolving national healthcare reform. Our organization will provide an innovative and integrated healthcare delivery system. We will always remain aware of our patients’ needs and desires for high-quality, affordable healthcare.
with St. Mary’s General Hospital and Like us on our official Facebook page at www.facebook. com/stmarys.fanclub.
Values
Compassion: We provide an environment that is caring and conducive to healing the whole person physically, emotionally and spiritually. We respect the individual needs, wishes and rights of our patients. Quality: We believe in continuous quality of care and performance improvement as the foundation for preserving and enhancing healthcare delivery. Effective communication and education of our patients, physicians, staff and the community we serve are essential elements in this process. Comprehensive: We are committed to an integrated healthcare system that spans the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery. This continuum of care encompasses all aspects of an individual’s healthcare. Cost-Effectiveness: We offer high-quality healthcare that is accessible and affordable. www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
3
About Us OUR ADDRESS 350 Boulevard Passaic, NJ 07055
Your Opinion Counts Soon after your discharge, you will receive a confidential patient satisfaction survey. Please take a few minutes to fill it out. Your feedback is an important part of our goal of improving the care and services we provide.
Licensed by:
New Jersey Department of Health Nuclear Regulatory Commission New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiological Health New Jersey Department of Human Services New Jersey Department of Children and Families NJ Office of the Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs, Board of Pharmacy NJ Division of Mental Health
Accredited by:
The Joint Commission Interdisciplinary Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Labs (Vascular Laboratory) Food & Drug Administration (Mammography) American College of Radiology American Associations of Blood Banks College of American Pathologists
Memberships:
New Jersey Hospital Association Hospital Alliance of New Jersey American Management Association New Jersey Business & Industry Association North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies Safety Net Hospital Pharmaceutical Access The American Dietetic Association The American Society for Healthcare Food Service Administrators 4
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
Our Commitment to Care Our goal is to provide the best patient care. If at any time you have questions or concerns about the quality of care that you or a family member is receiving or has received at our hospital, do not hesitate to speak with a hospital staff member, your nurse or your physician. If you feel that your issue wasn’t resolved, please contact our Hospital Administration patient hotline at 973-365-4255 with your complaints or concerns. You may call at any time during or after your stay. You also may call the Quality Management Department at 973-365-4430. In addition, you have the right to file a complaint or concern with either or both: The New Jersey Department of Health Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing P.O. Box 367 Trenton, NJ 08625-0367 800-792-9770 Office of Quality and Patient Safety The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 800-994-6610 Email: patientsafetyreport@jointcommission.org
Ethics Committee There may be times when you and your family will be faced with difficult treatment choices. Our Ethics Committee is available as a resource for information and advice, and participates in the ethical policy-making process at St. Mary’s General Hospital. The Ethics Committee guides, educates and assists members of the hospital, family, patients and caregivers as they confront difficult or, in many cases, painful decisions. The members of the committee can be consulted when families or caregivers feel the need for clarification of ethical issues. A request to meet with the Ethics Committee can be made through your physician or healthcare providers. If you have any ethical concerns, please contact the Social Work Department at 973-365-4385.
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
5
ALBERT EINSTEIN 1879-1955
Truth is what stands the test of experience.
Your Satisfaction We encourage your feedback to improve care. Your healthcare is our priority. To determine where
improvements are needed, this hospital takes part in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey. The CAHPS survey measures your satisfaction with the quality of your care. It is designed to be a standardized tool for measuring and reporting satisfaction across all hospitals in the U.S. After you are released from the hospital, you may be selected to participate in the CAHPS survey. The survey asks multiple choice questions about your hospital stay. Please take the time to fill out the CAHPS survey; your feedback is valuable!
What is CAHPS?
The CAHPS survey is backed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The survey is used to improve the quality of healthcare. CAHPS makes survey results public so hospitals are aware of where changes are needed. The results also enable healthcare consumers to review and compare hospitals before choosing a healthcare provider.
You are part of the team COMMUNICATE It’s your health; don’t be afraid to ask your doctors and nurses questions. PARTICIPATE You are the center of your healthcare team so ask questions, understand your treatment plan and medications, and communicate with your doctors and nurses. APPRECIATE There are hundreds of people in the hospital who need help; please be patient as doctors and nurses attend to everyone.
6
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
n
Hospital Compare
is a government website that allows users to compare the quality of care provided by hospitals. The information provided on this website is based on CAHPS survey results. www. medicare.gov/hospitalcompare n
The Joint Commission
has created quality and safety standards for healthcare organizations. The Joint Commission reviews, accredits and certifies healthcare organizations that meet its high standards. Quality reports for all accredited organizations are available on its website. www.qualitycheck.org
Telephone Directory The area code for all numbers below is 973, unless otherwise noted.
MAIN NUMBER 973-365-4300
Main Switchboard 365-4300 Admitting (Patient Access) 365-4377 Behavioral Health Services (Seton Center) 470-3056 Blood Bank 365-4476 Cancer Center 365-5088 Cardiac Rehab 365-4336 Community Health Outreach 365-4863 Echocardiogram 365-4322 EKG 365-4447 Emergency Department 365-4489 Endoscopy 365-4499 Find a Doctor 888-SMH-DOCS Gift Shop 365-4303 Infection Prevention 365-4730 Labor & Delivery 365-4415 Laboratory 365-4464 Maternal Fetal Medicine 365-4700 Maternal Post-Partum 365-4412 Medical Records (Release of Information) 365-4571 Nutrition Care 365-4338 Pacemaker Services 365-4429 Patient Accounts 365-4810 Public Relations 365-4632 Pre-Admission Testing 365-4541 Pulmonary Lab 365-4504 Radiology/Imaging 365-4450 Rehabilitation Services (Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy) 365-4467 Respiratory 365-4359 Same-Day Surgery 365-4428 Security & Public Safety 365-4444 Senior Link 365-6021 Sleep Center 365-7200 Social Work Services 365-4385 Specialty Clinic 594-7800 Transportation 365-4694 Vascular Lab 574-2333 Volunteer Services 365-4549 Wound Care 365-4677
Patient Information 973-365-4517
Social Work Services 973-365-4385
Patient Accounts 973-365-4810
Gift Shop 973-365-4303 Please visit us at www.smh-nj.org Or stay in touch with St. Mary’s General Hospital and Like us on our official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ stmarys.fanclub
Calling a Department WITHIN the Hospital? Dial the last four digits of the number.
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
7
During Your Stay VISITING HOURS General 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Only two visitors per patient. Post Partum 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; designee with ID band may visit until 11:00 p.m. No children permitted except siblings of newborns; siblings may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Critical Care Units ICU 3rd Floor: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cardiac Pavilion: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Open Heart Recovery Room: 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
We have policies and procedures in place to help you and your family work with our doctors, nurses and staff to get the most from your hospital stay. Please take a few minutes to review these guidelines with your loved ones.
Visitor Passes
All visitors to the hospital must obtain visitor passes from the Patient Information Desk in the lobby. It is important that these passes be visible at all times and serve to identify visitors to staff. We appreciate your cooperation.
Visitor Guidelines
We encourage visitors for emotional support and recovery. To provide a restful and safe environment, we ask that all visitors comply with the following guidelines: n Only two visitors per patient at one time. n If the patient’s condition warrants, a visitor may remain with the patient overnight. Please notify the Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor if you wish to stay. n Note that Quiet Time takes place every day in every unit between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. During these hours, doctors, staff and visitors are asked to minimize all noise and disruptions so that patients may rest. n Children under the age of 14 are not permitted in ICU, Cardiac Pavilion or the Open Heart Recovery Room. Children will be permitted on other units only when accompanied by an adult. n Be considerate of other patients by keeping noise to a minimum. n Refrain from visiting if you have a cold, rash, sore throat or any contagious disease. n Observe no visiting and precaution signs before entering the room. n Do not smoke. n Leave the room during tests or treatments if asked.
Waiting Rooms and Visitor Lounges
In addition to the public lounges in the main lobby, the hospital has other special areas on most units where 8
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
family members and visitors may wait while their loved ones undergo diagnostic testing or other medical procedures. Families and visitors of patients undergoing surgery may wait in the Family Waiting Room located on the third floor, just opposite the elevator bank.
Financial Forms
The financial forms that you are asked to fill out are very important; they allow St. Mary’s General Hospital to bill your insurance carrier directly. They also show your agreement to be financially responsible for any treatment or service you may receive that is not covered by your insurance, to provide for the release of information to thirdparty payers and state/federal agencies, as required by law. Many insurance companies require you to pay a portion of the hospital bill, including the deductibles and co-pays. Deductibles and co-payments are expected to be paid at the time of registration. St. Mary’s General Hospital has Patient Financial Counselors who may contact you during your hospital stay to discuss your individual financial liability. The hospital accepts cash, money orders, checks and credit cards in payment for services rendered. If you are unable to make payment in full, the hospital will work with you to arrange a payment schedule. If you have any questions, please call Patient Accounts at 973-365-4810.
Patient Information At St. Mary’s General Hospital, we recognize the need to maintain patient and other information in a confidential manner. For this reason, any friends or family members who may call the Patient Information Desk will only be given your admission status and the telephone number for your room. Please be advised that you have the right to determine the information the hospital may release about you. The Patient Information Desk may be reached at 973-365-4517.
Consent Forms
When you are admitted, you will be asked to sign a consent form giving us permission to perform routine testing and care. We are required to make sure you fully understand all the risks and benefits associated with any procedures you may have to undergo. If the patient is a minor or is too ill to sign, we will ask the appropriate next of kin to sign. Of course, in an extreme emergency, in order to protect the patient and to provide the best possible care, we may have to proceed without permission. We want you to feel confident about the care you receive, so please feel free to ask questions. We will be happy to take the time to explain. www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
9
During Your Stay Public Restrooms Please do not use the bathrooms in patient rooms. They are reserved only for patients in order to protect their health. Public restrooms are located throughout the hospital.
Telephone Telephones are provided in all patient rooms. To place a local call, dial 9 + the number you want to reach. To place a call within the hospital, dial the four-digit extension. All long-distance calls must be billed to a credit card, calling card or your home telephone. For assistance, dial 0 for the hospital operator.
Cellphones Because cellphones may interfere with medical equipment and many are equipped with picture and video-recording abilities, cellphones are prohibited on all patient units. Thank you for helping maintain a safe environment for all our patients.
10
Parking
Valet parking is available free of charge to patients and the handicapped. A designated parking lot is available to all other visitors. The lot is located directly across the hospital on Boulevard. The fee to park in this lot ranges per hour, with the maximum charge of up to $9.00 for any time over eight (8) hours of parking. Parking may be paid in the automated parking kiosk located at the entrance of the parking lot. Complimentary parking is provided for families of ICU patients and outpatients; please present your respective passes for these areas to the Security before returning to your car in order to validate your parking. If street parking is available, please note city parking restrictions during the time you are visiting the hospital. Violators of these restrictions may have their vehicle towed by the city. Please park accordingly to prevent any penalties.
Transportation and Directions
NJ Transit provides direct transportation to and from St. Mary’s General Hospital via the No. 707 bus route. To view the NJT 707 bus schedule or for driving directions from various parts of NJ and the tri-state area, visit www. smh-nj.org and click on “Directions & Transportation.�
Your Room
Your room is assigned based upon your admitting diagnosis and bed availability on the day of your admission. We may be able to accommodate a request for a private room based on availability. If you have any problems with your bed, TV, room temperature or other equipment in your room, please tell your nurse and he or she will contact the proper department or office to correct the situation. Patients need to be aware that there are times when the hospital will need to move patients to a different room based on changing volume and varying patient needs. In the event that we need to relocate you, every effort will be made to ensure the transition is as easy as possible.
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
Housekeeping Services
Our staff is here to ensure the cleanliness of your room and fulfill your housekeeping requests. For assistance, please inform your nurse, and he or she will contact the appropriate personnel; or for an immediate response, please call extension 4510.
Calling Your Nurse
A button to call your nurse is located at your bedside. When the button is activated, the nursing station is alerted that you need assistance. A staff member will respond to your signal as soon as possible. Also, each bathroom has an emergency nurse call button.
Providing Information
Once you are settled in your room, a member of the nursing staff will ask you questions about your current illness, your previous medical history, any special needs or physical limitations you may have and any medication you are currently taking, as well as potential care needs at home after you are discharged. We know you may have been asked these questions already during admission, but it is important that your nurse also ask these questions. The nurse will write down your answers, which will then go into your medical record. This information is designed to help all the healthcare professionals who will be involved in your care provide the best, safest care.
Interpreters
St. Mary’s General Hospital provides access to interpreters via Cyber phone. Interpreters providing services in 170 different languages are available 24 hours, seven days a week. For more information, please speak with your nurse.
For the Hearing Impaired
Mail and Flowers Mail and packages will be delivered to your room once a day. You’ll get faster mail and package delivery if you give your family and friends your exact location in the hospital. The complete address is: Your Name Your Room # St. Mary’s General Hospital 350 Boulevard Passaic, NJ 07055 Any mail received after your discharge will be forwarded to your home address. Florists deliver directly to patient rooms. Please note that flowers are prohibited in intensive care units.
St. Mary’s General Hospital assists hard-of-hearing and deaf people with communicating with physicians, nurses and other hospital personnel. The patient can choose the type of communication he or she desires, including www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
11
During Your Stay sign language, note writing, lip reading, etc., with an outside interpreter offered at no expense to the patient. The hospital has a text telephone (TTY) available, which allows hard-of-hearing or deaf people to communicate via telephone with standard phone users. For more information on these services, please ask your nurse.
Leave Your Valuables At Home If you have valuables, such as jewelry, credit cards and cash, please give them to a relative or friend to take care of during your stay. Store your contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures in your bedside stand when not in use. Please don’t put them on your bed or food tray—they may be damaged or lost. St. Mary’s General Hospital cannot be responsible for replacement of personal belongings. If you cannot send your valuables home, please speak with your nurse about storing them in the hospital safe. St. Mary’s General Hospital cannot be responsible for any valuables left in your room.
12
Lost and Found
If you lose something, please notify your nurse right away, and he or she will fill out a report and make every effort to help you find it. To inquire about a lost article once you have been discharged, please call Security at 973-365-4444.
Security
Your safety is one of our most important goals. To help keep you and your visitors safe, St. Mary’s General Hospital has a Security Team fully trained to handle any emergency situation. Security Officers can be found throughout the building and also at security posts located in the main lobby, and in the Emergency Department waiting and treatment areas. The Security Office is located on the first floor of the main Hospital building between the Reception Desk and Cashier’s Office. A security officer can be reached day or night, seven days a week, by picking up any hospital phone and dialing extension 4444.
Medications from Home
Please bring a list of your medications with you to the hospital. If you do bring medications with you, they will be sent home with your family member or secured in the hospital’s pharmacy.
Smoking
Smoking and/or the use of any tobacco products is not permitted anywhere in the hospital or on hospital grounds. If you need help quitting, contact 866-NJ-STOPS, visit www.nj.quitnet.com, or speak to your nurse or physician.
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
Fire Safety
We periodically conduct fire drills in compliance with local fire safety laws and hospital accreditation standards. Your nurse will keep you informed. We request that you please remain calm and stay where you are, unless told to do otherwise by the hospital staff.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances including hair dryers, curling irons, razors, radios, heating pads, portable heaters, VCRs, computers and other devices are not permitted in patient rooms.
TV
Flat screen color televisions are provided to each patient free of charge. Television programming is provided by DirectTV and features a variety of basic and cable programming for your viewing pleasure. Please be considerate of other patients by keeping your television volume down. Channel listings are listed in the sidebar to the left.
ATM
For your convenience, an automated teller machine (ATM) is located in our main lobby on the 1st floor.
Patient Meals
Your diet is an important part of your recovery. Our goal in Nutrition Care is to provide you with an enjoyable dining experience while at the facility. Our menus offer wholesome, nourishing and well-balanced meals. If you are on a special diet prescribed by your physician, you will receive meals tailored to those specific needs. At St. Mary’s General Hospital, all food is prepared on-site. Kosher food is available to patients upon request. These meals (pre-packaged) are prepared under strict adherence to kosher dietary laws. Your meal may be delayed if you are scheduled for a special test or treatment. Whenever possible, your meal will be served soon after your test or examination is complete. If not, please inform a member of your care team.
Channel Listing 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
CBS A&E NBC FOX Chapel ABC Discovery History CNN WPIX FX PBS/WNET TLC USA ABC Family Animal Planet DIY Network Disney Channel Lifetime Comedy Central CW ABC ESPN News ESPN U Unimas Telemundo Galavision Univision DirecTV Guide
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
13
During Your Stay Where’s the Cafeteria? LOCATION: Second floor of the Main Building. Café Maria is open for lunch and dinner. It offers a variety of hot meals, soups, sandwiches, salads and drinks during meal periods. Drinks, limited takeout and snack items are available throughout the day. Visitors are welcome to dine in Café Maria. HOURS Monday–Friday Beverages and snacks 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Dinner 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Closed
Coffee Shop Our Coffee Shop is located on the 1st floor near the Gift Shop and is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.
14
Approximate meal delivery times: Breakfast: 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Dinner: 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Please note: Exact meal service varies based on location and patient census. If you are to remain on a special diet after you leave the facility, a registered dietitian will assist you with details before your discharge. If at any time you have questions about nutritional needs or diet restrictions, call extension 2067 and someone will address your concerns.
Gift Shop
The St. Mary’s General Gift Shop is managed by Lori’s Gifts – the premier gift shop management company in the United States. The Gift Shop features a variety of merchandise including clothing, jewelry, gift cards, balloons and refreshments. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted. For more information on the Gift Shop at St. Mary’s General, please call 973-365-4303.
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care Department ministers to the spiritual needs of all patients during their hospital stay. The Ministry is administered through the Sacraments of Anointing of the Sick, Eucharist and Reconciliation (as requested), as well as prayer and counseling, and emotional/spiritual support. A chaplain will visit you once you are admitted to the hospital. During your stay, if you wish to speak with a hospital chaplain, please ask your nurse or call the Pastoral Care office at extension 4495. The chaplain also will be happy to contact your rabbi, pastor or other spiritual or religious advisor if you so choose. Channel 6 on your television is a complimentary channel offered to all patients where the hospital chapel may be viewed. For those in need of prayer or meditation, our chapel is located on the first floor behind the gift shop and is open 24 hours a day. Family and friends are welcome.
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
FRANCIS BACON
Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.
Speak Up! Take charge of your care. During your stay, the doctors, nurses and staff of
your hospital will treat you and your family as partners in your own care. One important way that you can be involved is to speak up. Ask questions, voice your concerns, and don’t be afraid to raise any issues relating not only to your care and treatment, but also to overall hospital services. In the pages that follow, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making the most of your hospital stay—how to stay safe, get the information you need, ask the right questions and interact effectively with your doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
STEP UP & SPEAK UP SPEAK UP: Ask questions and voice concerns.
Remember:
It’s your body, and you have a right to know.
n
PAY ATTENTION: Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines. EDUCATE YOURSELF: Learn about the medical tests you get and your treatment plan.
FIND AN ADVOCATE: Pick a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate or support person. WHAT MEDS & WHY: Know what medicines
rite down any questions W you have n Choose a support person to communicate with the doctors and staff n K eep a list of doctors you see and the meds they prescribe
Don’t Get Overwhelmed, Write It Down!
you take and why you take them.
CHECK BEFORE YOU GO: Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center or other type of healthcare organization that meets The Joint Commission’s quality standards. PARTICIPATE IN YOUR CARE: You are the center of the healthcare team.
Courtesy of The Joint Commission. www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
15
HENRY H. TWEEDY 1868-1953
Fear is the father of courage and the mother of safety.
Stay Safe You can contribute to healthcare safety. While you are in the hospital, many people will enter your room, from doctors and nurses to aides and orderlies. The following information will help make your hospital stay safe and comfortable.
Employee ID All hospital employees wear identification badges. Feel free to ask any staff member for his or her name and job classification. If you do not see an ID badge on an employee, please call your nurse immediately.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask… A number of people may enter your hospital room. Be sure to: n Ask for the ID of everyone who comes into your room. n Speak up if hospital staff doesn’t ask to check your ID. nA sk if the person has washed his or her hands before he or she touches you. n I f you are told you need certain tests or procedures, ask why you need them, when they will happen and how long it will be before you get the results. 16
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
PATIENT IDENTIFICATION Any time staff enters your room to administer medications, transport you or perform procedures and treatments, they must check your medical record number and name before they proceed. At times, you may be asked the same questions repeatedly. Please understand that this verification process is a critical component in our patient safety program in order to guarantee that all of our patients receive the correct medications and treatments.
Check ID
STAY SAFE
Fighting Infections While you’re in the hospital to get well, there is the possibility of developing an infection. The single most important thing you can do to help prevent infections is to wash your hands and make sure that everyone who touches you—including your doctors and nurses—washes his or her hands, too.
You, your family and friends should wash hands:
1. after touching objects or surfaces in the hospital room 2. before eating 3. after using the restroom
Happy Birthday to You!
It also is important that your healthcare providers wash their hands with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner every time, before and after they touch you. Healthcare providers know to practice hand hygiene, but sometimes they forget. You and your family should not be afraid or embarrassed to speak up and ask them to wash their hands.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. That’s about the same amount of time that it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
No Soap? No Problem.
Doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers come into contact with a lot of bacteria and viruses. So before they treat you, ask them if they’ve cleaned their hands.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are as effective as soap and water in killing germs. To use, apply the cleaner to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Keep rubbing over all the surfaces of your fingers and hands until they are dry.
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
17
STAY SAFE
Know Your Meds While you are hospitalized, your doctor may prescribe medications for you. Be sure that you understand exactly what they are and why they are being prescribed. Use this checklist to help you get the information you need from your doctor: What is the name of the medicine? What is its generic name? Why am I taking this medicine? What dose will I be taking? How often, and for how long? When will the medicine begin to work? What are the possible side effects? Can I take this medicine while taking my other medications or dietary supplements? Are there any foods, drinks or activities that I should avoid while taking this medicine? Should I take my medicine at meals or between meals? Do I need to take the medicine on an empty stomach, with food or with a whole glass of water? What should I do if I forget to take the medicine and miss a dose?
KEEP A WALLET-SIZED NOTEBOOK OF ALL MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING.
18
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
Preventing Medication Errors By taking part in your own care, you can help the members of your healthcare team avoid medication errors. Here’s how: Be sure that all of your doctors know what medications you have been taking, including prescription drugs, over-thecounter medications, herbal and vitamin supplements, natural remedies and recreational drugs. Be sure that all of your doctors know of any allergies you may have— to medications, anesthesia, foods, latex products, etc. When you are brought medications or IV fluids, ask the person to check to be sure you are the patient who is supposed to receive the medications. Show that person your ID bracelet to double-check.
STAY SAFE
Preventing Falls Hospital patients often fall because they are weak or unsteady due to illness or medical procedures, their medications make them dizzy, or they’ve been sitting or lying down for too long. St. Mary’s General Hospital cares about our patients’ safety. Please help us keep you safe by following these guidelines during your hospital stay: n Do not get out of bed by yourself. Your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home, and you can easily fall while trying to get in or out of it. Please use your nurse call button and ask for assistance. n Keep often-used items—call button, tissues, water, eyeglasses, telephone, TV remote—within easy reach. n Do not walk in bare feet. Wear nonskid socks or slippers. n Make sure your robe or pajamas don’t drag on the floor; they can cause you to trip. n Use the handrails in your bathroom and throughout the hospital at all times. n Ask your nurse to show you how to properly walk with your IV pole, drainage bags or any other equipment. n Be sure your wheelchair is locked when getting in or out of it. Never step on the footrest. n If you see a spill on the floor, report it at once.
DVT: Lower Your Risk Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in the legs and block circulation. The clots can lodge in your brain, heart or lungs, causing damage or even death. When you’re hospitalized and in bed with limited physical activity, your risk of DVT increases. Ask your doctor about using compression boots or stockings and/or blood thinners to prevent DVT during your stay. And be sure to tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of the following warning signs: A leg cramp or charley horse that gets worse Swelling and discoloration in your leg, upper arm or neck Unexplained shortness of breath Chest discomfort that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough Light-headedness or blacking out
PATIENTS OF ALL AGES ARE AT RISK OF FALLS BECAUSE OF MEDICATIONS THAT MAY MAKE THEM DIZZY, WEAK OR UNSTEADY.
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
19
TORI AMOS QUOTES B.1963
Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.
Do You Have Pain? Manage your pain so your hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.
You are the expert about how you are feeling. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse
when you have any kind of pain.
To help describe your pain, be sure to report: n When the pain began. n Where you feel pain. n How the pain feels—sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, tingling. n If the pain is constant, or if it comes and goes. n What, if anything, makes the pain feel better. n What, if anything, makes the pain feel worse. n How much pain, if any, your medicine is taking away. n If your medicine helps with the pain, how many hours of relief do you get? If you are not able to talk and cannot tell us how bad your pain is, we have a picture scale you can use to let us know how much pain you are having. If you cannot use the picture scale, your nurses have been trained to observe and assess patients for pain and for response to pain medications. You do not have to “just put up with” severe pain. You can work with your nurses and doctors to prevent or relieve pain. Ask questions so you know what to expect. This will help you be less afraid and more in control, which will make pain easier to handle. Do not worry about getting hooked on pain medicine. Studies have shown that the shortterm use of pain medication is not addictive unless you already have a problem with drug abuse. USE THE PAIN RATING SCALE BELOW TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE HOW YOUR PAIN IS AFFECTING YOU.
20
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
Patient Bill of Rights directives, and having hospital staff and Every New Jersey hospital patient practitioners who provide care in the shall have the following rights, none hospital comply with these directives, of which shall be abridged by the withholding resuscitative services, hospital or any of its staff. The hospital forgoing or withdrawing life-sustaining administrator shall be responsible for treatment, care at the end of life, and developing and implementing policies managing pain effectively. to protect patient rights and respond to 5. To receive information about pain and questions and grievances pertaining to pain relief measures and to expect a patient rights. These rights shall include quick response to reports of pain. at least the following: 6. To refuse medication and treatment after possible consequences of this You Have the Right: decision have been made clear to you, Medical Care unless the situation is life threatening or 1. To receive the care and health services the procedure is required by law. that the hospital is required by law 7. To be included in experimental to provide. research only if you give informed, 2. To receive an understandable written consent. You have the right to explanation from your physician of refuse to participate. your complete medical condition, 8. T o participate in the development and recommended treatment, expected implementation of your plan of care. results, risks involved, and reasonable medical alternatives. If your physician Communication and Information believes that some of this information would be detrimental to your health or 1. To have a family member or representative notified promptly of your beyond your ability to understand, the admission to the hospital. explanation must be given to your next 2. To be informed of the names and of kin or guardian. functions of all healthcare professionals 3. To give informed, written consent prior proving you with personal care. to the start of specified, nonemergency medical procedures or treatments. Your 3. To receive, as soon as possible, the services of a translator or interpreter, if physician should explain to you—in you need one, to help you communicate words you understand—specific details with the hospital’s healthcare personnel. about the recommended procedure 4. To be informed of the names and or treatment and risks involved, functions of any outside healthcare time required for recovery, and any reasonable medical alternatives. and educational institutions involved in your treatment. You may refuse to 4. To make informed decisions regarding allow their participation. the course of care and treatment, including resolving dilemmas about 5. To receive, upon request, the hospital’s care decisions, formulating advance written policies and procedures
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
21
Rights & Responsibilities regarding life-saving methods and the use of withdrawal of life-support mechanisms. 6. To be advised in writing of the hospital’s rules regarding the conduct of patients and visitors. 7. To receive a summary of your patient rights that includes the name and phone number of the hospital staff member whom you can ask questions of or complain to about any possible violation of your rights.
Discharge Planning 1. To receive information and assistance from your attending physician and other healthcare providers if you need to arrange for continuing healthcare after your discharge from the hospital. 2. To receive sufficient time before discharge to arrange for continuing healthcare needs. 3. To be informed by the hospital about any special appeal process to which you are entitled by law if you disagree with the hospital’s discharge plan.
Medical Records 1. To the confidentiality of your clinical record. Transfers 2. T o have prompt access to the 1. To be transferred to another facility information in your record. If your only when you or your family has physician feels this information is made the request, or in instances where detrimental to your health, your next the transferring hospital is unable to of kin or guardian has a right to see provide you with the care you need. your records. 2. To receive an advance explanation 3. To obtain a copy of your medical record, from a physician of the reasons for your at a reasonable fee, within 30 days after transfer and possible alternatives. a written request to the hospital. Personal Needs Cost of Hospital Care 1. To be treated with courtesy, consid1. To receive a copy of the hospital eration, and respect for your dignity, payment rates. If you request an itemized individuality, and personal privacy. bill, the hospital must provide one 2. To express your spiritual beliefs and and answer any questions you may have. cultural practices as long as they do not You have a right to appeal any charges. harm others or interfere with treatment. 2. To be informed by the hospital if part 3. To have access to storage space in your or your entire bill will not be covered room for your private use. The hospital by insurance. The hospital is required also must have a system to safeguard to help you obtain any public assistance your personal property. and private healthcare benefits to which 4. To receive care in a safe setting. you may be entitled. Freedom from Abuse and Restraints 1. To be free from all forms of abuse or harassment. 22
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
2. To be free from restraints and seclusion that is not medically necessary or used for coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation. Chemical or physical restraints that are imposed to protect the safety of you or others will be instituted only after less restrictive measures have been found to be ineffective, and must be authorized by a physician and utilized only for a limited period of time.
our patients. If you have any questions or concerns, please report it immediately to a hospital staff member, or contact Hospital Administration at the patient hotline telephone number at 973-3654255. Additionally, you also may call the Quality Management Department at 973-365-4580. The public may contact The Joint Commission’s Office of Quality and Patient Safety to report any concerns Legal Rights or register complaints about 1. To treatment and medical services St. Mary’s General Hospital by either without discrimination based on age, calling 800-994-6610 or emailing religion, national origin, sex, sexual patientsafetyreport@jointcommission.org. preferences, handicap, diagnosis, ability Concerns regarding quality of care to pay or source of payment. or premature discharge can be made 2. To exercise all your constitutional, to the Healthcare Quality Strategies, civil and legal rights. Inc., Utilization and Quality Control 3. To contract directly with a New Jersey Department by calling 732-238-5570. licensed registered professional nurse This list of Patient Rights is an of the patient’s own choosing for abbreviated summary of New Jersey, CMS private professional nursing care during and The Joint Commission standards his or her hospitalization. A registered (laws and regulations) that govern the professional nurse so contracted rights of hospital patients. For more shall adhere to hospital policies and information, the complete standards procedures in regard to treatment are available through your hospital. For protocols, policies and procedures additional concerns, you may contact the so long as these requirements are the NJ Department of Health Complaint same for private duty and regularly Hotline at 800-792-9770. employed nurses. The hospital, upon Patient Responsibilities request, shall provide the patient 1. You have the responsibility to provide, or designee with a list of local nonto the best of your knowledge, accurate profit professional nurses association and complete information about registries that refer nurses for private present complaints, past illnesses, professional nursing care. hospitalizations, medications, perceived risks in your care and other matters Questions and Complaints relating to your health. You have the The goal of St. Mary’s General Hospital responsibility to report unexpected is to provide safe, high-quality care to all www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
23
Rights & Responsibilities changes in your condition to the responsible practitioner. You are responsible for making it known whether you clearly comprehend a contemplated course of action and what is expected of you. 2. You are responsible for following the care, service or treatment plans developed for you and recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for your care. This may include following instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out the coordinated plan of care and implement the responsible practitioner’s orders, and as they enforce the applicable hospital rules and regulations. You are responsible for keeping appointments and, when you are unable to do so for any reason, notifying the responsible practitioner or the hospital.
3. Y ou are responsible for the outcome if you refuse treatment or do not follow the care, service or treatment plan developed for you. 4. Y ou are responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of your healthcare are fulfilled as promptly as possible. 5. Y ou are responsible for following hospital rules and regulations affecting your care and conduct. 6. Y ou are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients, hospital personnel and property, and for assisting in the control of noise, smoking and the number of visitors. You are responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.
What are Your Advance Directives? What Are Advance Directives?
is your right, under certain conditions, to refuse medical treatment, including termination of treatment that would prolong your life artificially. You, in the form of an advance directive, may spell out your decisions and wishes about these issues. An advance directive is a document that allows you to direct who will make healthcare decisions for you and to state your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to decide for yourself in the future. At St. Mary’s General Hospital, we Your advance directive may be used to acsupport your right to make certain decisions cept or refuse any procedures or treatment, concerning your medical treatment. It including life-sustaining treatment. A living will, healthcare proxy and durable power of attorney are the legal documents that allow you to give direction to medical personnel, family, and friends concerning your future care when you cannot speak for yourself. You do not need a lawyer in order to complete advance directives.
24
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
In the inpatient setting, the hospital will honor advance directives as specified by law and regulations. In the outpatient setting, we will temporarily suspend your advance directive. In the event of any unanticipated emergency, you will be stabilized and transported to the Emergency Department for evaluation and treatment. The Emergency Department personnel will address your advance directive or Healthcare Proxy if presented.
What types of advance directives can I use?
There are three kinds of advance directive that you can use to say what you want and who you want your doctors to listen to: A proxy directive (also called a “durable power of attorney for healthcare”) lets you name a “healthcare representative,” such as a family member or friend, to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. An instruction directive (also called a “living will”) lets you state what kinds of medical treatments you would accept or reject in certain situations. A combined directive lets you do both. It lets you name a healthcare representative and tells that person your treatment wishes. Who can fill out these forms? You can fill out an advance directive in NJ if you are 18 years or older and you are able to make your own decisions. You do not need a lawyer to fill it out.
What should I do with my advance directive?
You should talk to your doctor about it and give a copy to him or her. You also should give a copy to your healthcare representative, family member(s) or others close to you. Bring a copy with you when you must receive medical care from a hospital, nursing home or other healthcare agency. Your advance directive becomes part of your medical records.
What if I don’t have an advance directive?
If you become unable to make treatment decisions and you do not have an advance directive, your close family members will talk to your doctor and in most cases, may then make decisions on your behalf. However, if your family, doctor or other caregivers disagree about your medical care, it may be necessary for a court to appoint someone as your legal guardian; this also may be needed if you do not have a family member to make decisions on your behalf. That’s why it’s important to put your wishes in writing to make it clear who should decide for you, and to help your family and doctor know what you want.
Will I still be treated if I don’t fill out an advance directive?
Yes. You don’t have to fill out any forms if you don’t want to and you will still get medical treatment. Your insurance company also cannot deny coverage based on whether or not you have an advance directive. www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
25
What are Your Advance Directives? It is the policy of St. Mary’s General Hospital to honor advance directives unless the directives are prohibited by law or are contrary to ethical and religious teachings of the church. If you are interested in completing an advance directive, or if you would like additional information about this, please ask to speak with a social worker.
Will my advance directive be followed?
Yes. Everyone responsible for your care must respect the wishes you have stated in your advance directive. However, if
your doctor, nurse or other professional has a sincere objection to respecting your wishes to refuse life-sustaining treatment, they may have your care transferred to another professional who will carry them out.
What if I change my mind?
You can change or revoke any of these documents at any time. For more information about advance directives or to obtain forms, please speak with a social worker at 973-365-4385.
Your Privacy & Health Information You have privacy rights under a federal What information is protected? n Information your doctors, nurses and law that protects your health information. These rights are important for you to know. other healthcare providers put in your Federal law sets rules and limits on who can medical records look at and receive your health information. n Conversations your doctor has with nurses and others regarding your care or treatment Who must follow this law? n Most doctors, nurses, pharmacies, n Information about you in your hospitals, clinics, nursing homes health insurer’s computer system and many other healthcare providers and n Billing information about you at their vendors your clinic n Health insurance companies, n Most other health information about you HMOs and most employer group health held by those who must follow this law plans n Certain government programs that You have rights over your pay for healthcare, such as Medicare and health information. Medicaid Providers and health insurers who are required to follow this law must comply with your right to: 26
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
n Ask to see and get a copy of your
health records n Have corrections added to your health information n Receive a notice that tells you how your health information may be used and shared n Decide if you want to give your permission before your health information can be used or shared for certain purposes, such as for marketing n Get a report on when and why your health information was shared for certain purposes n File a complaint To make sure that your health information is protected in a way that doesn’t interfere with your healthcare, your information can be used and shared: n For your treatment and care coordination n To pay doctors and hospitals for your healthcare and help run their businesses n With your family, relatives, friends or others you identify who are involved with your healthcare or your healthcare bills, unless you object n To make sure doctors give good care and nursing homes are clean and safe n To protect the public’s health, such as by reporting when the flu is in your area n To make required reports to the police, such as reporting gunshot wounds
Without your written permission, your provider cannot: n Give your health information to
your employer
n Use or share your health information
for marketing or advertising purposes
n Share private notes about your mental
health counseling sessions
Adapted from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights If you believe your health information was used or shared in a way that is not allowed under the privacy law, or if you weren’t able to exercise your rights, you can file a complaint with your provider or health insurer. You also can file a complaint with the U.S. government. Go online to www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/ for more information. A separate law provides additional privacy protections to patients of alcohol and drug treatment programs. For more information, go online to www.samhsa.gov. How do I get copies of my medical records? To obtain a copy of your medical record of the treatment received at the hospital, please call 973-365-4571.
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
27
Preparing to Leave the Hospital When You Are Discharged
n Have someone available to pick you up.
Your physician determines when you are n Check your room, bathroom, closet ready to be discharged. Your physician and and bedside table carefully for any nurse will give you discharge instructions personal items. and answer any questions you have about n Retrieve any valuables you have stored managing your treatment and medications in the hospital safe. n Make sure you or your caregiver has once you are home. If you are confused or all necessary paperwork for billing, unsure about what you need to do, what referrals, prescriptions, etc. medications you must take or if you have n A staff member or volunteer will be to restrict your diet or activities, don’t be afraid to ask and take notes. available to escort you to the lobby Be sure you understand any by wheelchair. instructions you have been given before you leave the hospital. What a Hospital Bill Covers The hospital bill covers the cost of your If You Disagree room, meals, 24-hour nursing care, laboraYou or a relative can appeal your tory work, tests, medication, therapy and doctor’s discharge decision. If you are a the services of hospital employees. You will Medicare patient, be sure you are given receive a separate bill from your physicians “An Important Message from Medicare” for their professional services. If you have from the hospital’s discharge planner questions about these separate bills, please or caseworker. This details your rights call the number printed on each statement. to remain in the hospital for care and The hospital is responsible for provides information on who to contact submitting bills to your insurance to appeal a discharge decision. company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. You Going Home should remember that your policy When your doctor feels that you are is a contract between you and your ready to leave the hospital, he or she will insurance company, and you have the authorize a hospital discharge. Please final responsibility for payment of your speak with your nurse about our discharge hospital bill. procedures. Here are a few tips to make the Pre-Certification discharge process run smoothly: Most insurance plans now require n Be sure you and/or your caregiver have pre-certification for hospital stays and spoken with a discharge planner and certain tests and procedures in order you understand what services you may for you to be eligible for full policy need after leaving the hospital. benefits. It is your responsibility to see n Verify your discharge date and time with that this is completed. This information your nurse or doctor. can be found on your insurance card. If 28
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
you are unsure of your pre-certification requirements, we recommend that you contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Coordination of Benefits (COB)
Coordination of Benefits, referred to as COB, is a term used by insurance companies when you are covered under two or more insurance policies. This usually happens when both husband and wife are listed on each other’s insurance policies, when both parents carry their children on their individual policies, or when there is eligibility under two federal programs. This also can occur when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and have medical insurance and automobile insurance. Most insurance companies have COB provisions that determine who is the primary payer when medical expenses are incurred. This prevents duplicate payments. COB priority must be identified at admission in order to comply with insurance guidelines. Your insurance may request a completed COB form before paying a claim and every attempt will be made to notify you if this occurs. The hospital cannot provide this information to your insurance company. You must resolve this issue with your insurance carrier in order for the claim to be paid.
Medicare
We will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and to process your claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and
others. Deductibles and co-payments are the patient’s responsibility.
Medicaid
We will need a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.
Commercial Insurance
As a service to our customers, we will forward a claim to your commercial insurance carrier based on the information you provide at the time of registration. It is very important for you to provide all related information such as policy number, group number and the correct mailing address for your insurance company.
If You Have No Insurance
If you do not have insurance, our financial counselors are available on-site to help you determine if you are eligible for Medicaid or Charity Care. They can be reached at the hospital or by calling 973-365-4324 (Medicaid) or 973-365-4367, 4352 or 4213 (Charity Care). If you do not qualify for Medicaid or Charity Care, you are responsible for the hospital charges and will be billed accordingly.
Questions?
If you are in need of assistance with your hospital bill, call Hospital Financial Counseling at 973-365-4367, 4352 or 4213.
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
29
Preparing to Leave the Hospital When you leave the hospital, you may need to spend some time in a rehabilitation facility, nursing home or other institution. Or you may be able to stay home and receive healthcare services there. Be sure that you and your caregiver understand the plan for your care before you are discharged from the hospital. Here’s a brief explanation of the various services you may use during your recovery.
Home Healthcare
Part-time healthcare provided by medical professionals in a patient’s home to maintain or restore health. It includes a range of skilled and non-skilled services, including part-time nursing care, therapy, and assistance with daily activities and homemaker services, such as cleaning and meal preparation. Medicare defines home healthcare as intermittent, physician-ordered medical services or treatment.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Medical equipment that is ordered by a doctor for use in a patient’s home. Examples are walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and hospital beds. DME is paid for under Medicare Part B and Part A for home health services.
Independent Living
Communities for seniors who are very independent and have few medical problems. Residents live in private apartments. Meals, housekeeping, maintenance, social outings and events are provided. 30
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
Assisted Living
An apartment in a long-term care facility for elderly or disabled people who can no longer live on their own but who don’t need a high level of care. Assistedliving facilities provide assistance with medications, meals in a cafeteria or restaurant-like setting, and housekeeping services. Nursing staff is on-site. Most facilities have social activities and provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc.
Nursing Home
A residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly elderly people who need assistance for most or all of their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing and toileting. Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled care and also are called long-term care facilities. Many nursing homes also provide short-term rehabilitative stays for patients recovering from an injury or illness. Some facilities also have a separate unit for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss.
Hospice
A licensed or certified program that provides care for people who are terminally ill and their families. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice or other freestanding facility, or within a hospital. Hospice care emphasizes the management of pain and discomfort and addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, financial and legal needs of the patient and his or her family.
BUDDHA
In compassion lies the world’s true strength.
For the Caregiver Your role as a patient advocate
CAREGIVER...
know what condition Your loved one is being treated for.
patient’s rights Know your patient’s rights and responsibilities (see page 22).
advance directives Know whether or not your loved one has an advance directive and if so, what it specifies (see page 24).
While your loved one is in the hospital, who will
speak up for him or her? You can, by being the patient’s advocate—the person who will help the patient work with doctors, nurses and hospital staff. To help your loved one make the best decisions about his or her care and treatment, follow the advice in the caregiver list at right. While you are making sure that your loved one’s needs are being met, don’t neglect your own. Caregiving is a stressful and time-consuming job. You may neglect your diet, your normal exercise routine and your sleep needs. You may find that you have little or no time to spend with friends, to relax or to just be by yourself for a while. But downtime is important. Don’t be reluctant to ask for help in caring for your loved one. Take advantage of friends’ offers to help and look into local adult daycare programs. Find out more about how you can ease the stress of caregiving at www.caregiver.org.
ask questions If your loved one is too ill or reluctant to ask questions, make note of his or her concerns and any you may have, and don’t be afraid to speak up (see Speak Up! on page 15).
help track medications Your loved one may be prescribed medications while in the hospital and may be seen by several doctors. Keep track of it all with a wallet-sized notebook.
what’s next? Will your loved one need home care or care at another facility? Ask to speak with a case manager to find out what your options are.
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
31
Hospital Services Advanced Wound Center
The St. Mary’s General Hospital Advanced Wound Center is an outpatient program that focuses on chronic and nonhealing wounds. Working in conjunction with physicians, nurses and multiple medical disciplines while utilizing advanced treatments such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the Advanced Wound Center provides invaluable care for patients by improving their healing outcomes. For more information on our center or to schedule an appointment, call 973-365-4677.
Behavioral Health
Providing a range of programs and facilities, St. Mary’s General Hospital Behavioral Health Services enable people receiving mental health services to function productively and independently. The primary goal is to help people reach and maintain their highest level of functioning psychologically, socially, vocationally and economically. Our Behavioral Health programs feature an Adult and Adolescent Partial Hospital Program; Adult Acute Partial Hospital Program; Adult and Adolescent Residential Services; Integrated Case Management Services for Passaic County; Outpatient Services serving adults, adolescents and children; an Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Support Service Program serving adults; Justice Involved Services; Crisis & Specialized Residential Programs and Supported Housing. For more information, call 973-470-3056. 32
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
Cancer Center
The Cancer Center at St. Mary’s General Hospital is a comprehensive program of preventive, detection, diagnostic, treatment and after-care services. Facilitated by leading oncologists and hematologists in the region, our Cancer Center features state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and cancer surgery. For more information, call 973-365-5088.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
The St. Mary’s General Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a comprehensive program dedicated to safely restoring and helping patients maintain their optimal state of health through a progressive program of exercise, education and diet. For information, call 973-365-4336.
Community Health Department
St. Mary’s General Hospital Community Health Department offers a variety of free health education services, wellness programs, and screening to community groups throughout the year. Programs include: blood pressure screenings, weight clinics, pre-natal classes, presentations on health issues and prevention, a free clothing program for children and more. All programs are offered in English and Spanish. For more information, call 973365-6021.
Eastern Heart Institute
St. Mary’s General Hospital comprehensive cardiac services program, known as the Eastern Heart Institute, provides invasive as well as noninvasive procedures, cardiovascular surgery, cardiac catheterizations with state-of-the-art imaging systems, electrophysiology services and more. For more information, call 973-365-4630.
Emergency Department
St. Mary’s General Hospital has the only Emergency Department in the city of Passaic and serves as the closest ER to many surrounding towns. The St. Mary’s General Hospital Fast Track is designed to treat injuries and illness that are urgent but not life threatening in 60 minutes or less.
Endoscopy
The Endoscopy Center at St. Mary’s General Hospital performs upper and lower gastrointestinal procedures, such as colonoscopies, endoscopies, gastroscopies, EGDs, ERCPs, PEG insertions and TEEs. The unit services outpatients and inpatients with a 24/7 on-call staff for emergencies. For more information or to make an appointment, call 973-365-4499.
Find-a-Doctor Service
St. Mary’s doctors are among the best in the tri-state area, and many have been recognized as Top Doctors by New Jersey Monthly magazine in its prestigious annual listing year after year. The St. Mary’s General Hospital Find a Doctor service can help you find just the doctor you need, right in your neighborhood.
The up-to-date database may be found by clicking the “Find a Doctor” link on the St. Mary’s General website: www.smh-nj. org.
Maternal-Child Health
Expectant mothers benefit from the comprehensive, family-centered maternity services provided at St. Mary’s General Hospital. Our highly trained physicians and nurses are dedicated to providing mothers with a safe and special birth experience. The Maternal-Child Health Center at St. Mary’s General Hospital features a Level II Nursery specializing in the delivery and care of high-risk infants born as early as 32 weeks. In addition, the center specializes in early, safe and accurate prenatal screening and care with state-of-the-art diagnostic testing that identifies risk factors and addresses pregnancy concerns. For more information, call 973-365-4700.
Medical Imaging Services
St. Mary’s General Hospital’s Radiology Department offers state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound and video endoscopy, and is the only hospital in the region to feature the GE VCTTM 64Channel CT Scanner, the highest quality CT scanner on the market in terms of image quality, dose savings, versatility and all-around performance. St. Mary’s General Hospital’s Medical Imaging Services provides a number of radiological exams, including mammography, MRI, bone density, CAT scan, PET/CT scan, nuclear medicine and much more. For more information or to make an appointment, call 973-365-4607. www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
33
Hospital Services Nutrition Care Services
A specialized team of registered dietitians in the Nutrition Care Department at St. Mary’s General Hospital provides medical nutrition therapy for acute and chronic diseases across the age spectrum, while accommodating culturally and religiously appropriate menus. Additional services include nutrition counseling for outpatients. For questions related to the diet ordered by your physician or for more information about Nutrition Care Services, please call a registered dietitian at 973-365-4777.
Pain Management Center
St. Mary’s General Hospital’s Pain Management Center comprises a multidisciplinary team of experts who provide pain management for people experiencing acute pain, cancer pain and chronic pain syndromes. For more information, call 973-365-4327.
Pulmonary Function Laboratory
The St. Mary’s General Hospital’s Pulmonary Function Laboratory (PFT) provides evaluation, detection and diagnosis of respiratory disorders. The PFT Lab is staffed with boardcredentialed pulmonary function technologists. To make an appointment for a Pulmonary Function Test, call 973-365-4648.
Rehabilitation Services
physical exercise, strengthening activities and hands-on treatment by a licensed therapist in order to return the patient to his or her maximum level of functioning following surgery, injury or a long hospitalization. For more information, call 973-365-4648.
Senior Link
Designed especially for adults over age 55, the Senior Link Program provides a unique benefits package with social and educational activities, such as free health screenings, lectures and seminars; social and recreational programs and annual holiday party; low-cost dinners in the hospital’s cafeteria; special exercise classes and much more. For more information, call 973-365-6021.
Sleep Center
The St. Mary’s General Hospital Sleep Center diagnoses and treats people suffering from sleep disorders. A home-like suite provides a relaxed and comfortable environment for the evaluation of patients with sleep problems. For more information, call 973-365-7200.
Specialty Clinics
St. Mary’s General Hospital offers outpatient clinic care in a variety of specialties including HIV, podiatry, post hospital discharge and renal. For more information, call 973-594-7800.
St. Mary’s General Hospital offers extensive outpatient rehabilitation Vascular Laboratory services, including physical, occupational St. Mary’s General Hospital fully and speech therapy. These services include accredited ICALV vascular laboratory 34
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
provides a comprehensive array of noninvasive diagnostic treatments for people with circulatory disorders. For more information, call 973-574-2333.
Same-Day Surgery
St. Mary’s General Hospital’s SameDay Surgery Department facilitates approximately 4,000 elective surgical cases
a year. The 28-bed unit is open Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., admitting a variety of general surgical cases, such as hernias, breast surgery, podiatry, urology and ophthalmology cases, among others. For more information about Same-Day Surgery, call 973-365-4428.
Notes _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
35
Advocacy & Services for Patients and Families Volunteer There are many caring individuals in the community who make a difference by volunteering their valuable time to St. Mary’s General Hospital. If you would like to become a volunteer, please call the Volunteer Office at 973-365-4514.
Medicare Concerns Hotline (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) 800-447-8477 Social Security Benefits Hotline 800-772-1213 Joint Commission Office 800-994-6610 NJ Domestic Violence Hotline 800-572-SAFE (7233) Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255) NJ WIC (Women, Infants & Children) State Program 609-292-9560 Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (652-2873) Family Helpline 800-THE-KIDS (843-5437) Safe Haven Infant Protection (Drop-Off ) Hotline 1-877-839-2339 NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault Hotline 800-601-7200 Women’s Referral Central 800-322-8092 Addictions Hotline of NJ 800-238-2333
36
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
LONI ANDERSON 1945-PRESENT
You’re always better off if you quit smoking; it’s never too late.
Stop Smoking Today Millions of Americans have quit smoking—so can you. Quitting smoking will help you live a longer, healthier life by reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, lung disease, and lung and other cancers. The benefits start right away and last a lifetime: 20 minutes after quitting,
your heart rate and blood pressure drop. 2 weeks to 3 months after
quitting, your circulation improves and your lungs work better. 1 year after quitting, your
risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
When you quit smoking, you: n save money
n breathe better and cough less
n have whiter teeth and fresher breath
n set a good example for your loved ones
5 years after quitting, your
risk of mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder cancers is cut in half. 10 years after quitting, your
risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker’s. 15 years after quitting, your
risk of heart disease is the same as a nonsmoker’s.
Kids whose parents smoke around them get bronchitis and pneumonia more often, are at increased risk for ear infections and get more frequent and severe asthma attacks. www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
37
GEORGE DORSEY 1868-1931
The more you use your brain, the more brain you will have to use.
Crossword
38
Source: www.satorimediaworks.com
ACROSS 1 Israelite tribe 4 Biblical giants 8 Universe (pref.) 12 Stitchbird 13 Synthetic rubber 14 Table scraps 15 Eg. god of pleasure 16 Tallow (2 words) 18 Madame Bovary 20 Commotion 21 Padded jacket under armor 25 Son of Zeus 29 Dish (2 words) 32 Ganda dialect 33 Agent (abbr.) 34 Indian sacred fig 36 "Blue Eagle" 37 Ravine 39 Immense 41 Swelling 43 State (Ger.) 44 Medieval shield 46 Before (Lat.) 49 Culm (2 words) 55 Fiddler crab genus 56 Snake (pref.) 57 Unfledged bird 58 Centers for Disease Control (abbr.) 59 Love (Lat.) 60 Tooth (Lat.) 61 Exclamation DOWN 1 Deride 2 Attention-getting sound 3 Raze 4 Amer. Bar. Assn. (abbr.) 5 Pigeon 6 Black cuckoo 7 Hindu god of love
8 Banner 9 Yellow ide 10 As written in music 11 Mountain standard time (abbr.) 17 Amer. Dental Assn. (abbr.) 19 Pointed (pref.) 22 End 23 Auricular 24 Rom. historian 26 Build 27 Irish sweetheart 28 Hall (Ger.) 29 Created 30 Old-fashioned oath 31 Beer ingredient 35 Afr. worm 38 Vomiting 40 Drain 42 Amer. Cancer Society (abbr.) 45 Habituated
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
47 Alternating current/direct current (abbr.) 48 Apiece 49 Tibetan gazelle 50 Revolutions per minute (abbr.) 51 Exclamation 52 Nautical chain 53 Belonging to (suf.) 54 Manuscripts (abbr.) ANSWER KEY
DAVID NIVEN 1910-1983
Keep the circus going inside you, keep it going, don’t take anything too seriously, it’ll all work out in the end.
Word Search
P S C I R T A I D E P D N M E I N F E C T I O N I W X G E R K E K X T D T H S E E M O D A K E T R Y H Y U F R S S U I C N Z A L E E R V I J H R D C E F E Q R A G L A D E G L U I B H R A Z E N H N E G Y X O N T U P C O Y C T H X F B E D E N Y Z N D L H O I V E N B P F E J T N E O S B V C V C J A S M Z X E H P C O Z E E I J T A T M H J I L C T Y A R X R I F A W T T H V U L O L F Y W E E E B A T Y C N E G R E M E N T R L X W K B A N D A G E L T Y T BANDAGE
OXYGEN
How did you do?
BED
PATIENT
CARE
PEDIATRICS
Check your answers below.
DOCTOR
RECOVERY
EMERGENCY
SAFETY
FEVER
SNEEZE
HEART
SURGEON
HOSPITAL
THERAPY
INFECTION
TREATMENT
MEDICINE
WHEELCHAIR
NURSE
XRAY
P S C I R T A I D E P D N M E I N F E C T I O N I W X G E R K E K X T D T H S E E M O D A K E T R Y H Y U F R S S U I C N Z A L E E R V I J H R D C E F E Q R A G L A D E G L U I X H R A Z E N H N E G Y X O N T U P C O Y C T H X F B E D E N Y Z N D L H O I V E N B P F E J T N E O S B V C V C J A S M Z X E H P C O Z E E I J T A T M H J I L C T Y A R X R I F A W T T H V U L O L F Y W E E E B A T Y C N E G R E M E N T R L X W K B A N D A G E L T Y T
ANSWER KEY
www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300 :
39
WOODY ALLEN 1935-PRESENT
It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one’s hat keeps blowing off.
Sudoku
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 through 9.
ANSWER KEY
How did you do? Check your answers here. Source: www.sudoku-puzzles.net
40
: www.smh-nj.org 973-365-4300
For All Your Real Estate Needs • Helping You Reach Important Decisions • Servicing All Areas, Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Essex Counties • Specializing in Single Family, Multi-Family Homes, Commercial and Rentals. 789 Clifton Ave. | Clifton, NJ 07013 | 973-778-4500 | 973-773-5133 (Fax) www.coldwellbankermoves.com | www.coldwellbanker.com © 2015 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act
and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® the Coldwell Banker logo are registered marks owned Hackensack Hospital-3-15-13:Layout 1 and 3/15/2013 4:39 PM service Page 1 by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
Excellence Through Senior Advocacy Your partner in Home Health Care Solutions. Offering industry-leading programs and clinical standards
Our full range of care services lets us design a custom-tailored plan to meet your loved one’s needs Our highly professional staff provide: Skilled nursing care Physical therapy Home health aides Speech therapy Passaic, Bergen, and Morris Counties
973.859.2680
Medical social work Occupational therapy Essex County
973.243.6299
Medicare Certified www.almostfamily.com
PREPARE FOR DISCHARGE If you need additional healthcare services after you leave the hospital, choose accredited providers who meet patient safety and quality standards.
Go to www.qualitycheck.org to learn more.
ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL AND HAMILTON PLAZA NURSING & REHAB CENTER—WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE A HEALTHY COMMUNITY Hamilton Plaza is a 112-bed Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center located in Passaic, New Jersey. We are committed to a customized approach to treatment. We provide a comprehensive range of restorative and rehab services to inspire patients to live their lives to the fullest.
Se habla español Hamilton Plaza:
n n
We have recently renovated our entire facility and added a new STAR (Specialized Therapy and Rehab) Unit featuring state-of-the-art therapy services.
short-stay rehab n long-term care n respite care n hospice care TPN n Tracheostomy n Wound Care n Free local telephone and cable TV for Star Units
56 Hamilton Avenue, Passaic, NJ 07055 973-773-7070 ■ reveraHamiltonPlaza.com
Cherishing Moments that Matter Providing compassionate hospice services, resources and support for more than 20 years. 24/7 Accessibility • Physicians and Registered Nurses • HHAs and CNAs • Pain and Symptom Control • Spiritual and Bereavement Care • Unique Gift of Presence Program
Call us for more information. 866-896-8201 • HospiceNJ.com