AVH Soldiers Memorial Hospital Patient Services Directory - Middleton, NS

PATIENT SERVICES

DIRECTORY

Soldiers Memorial Hospital 462 Main Street, PO Box 730 Middleton, NS B0S 1P0

Phone (902) 825-3411 • Fax (902) 825-0599

Please feel free to take this directory home for future reference.

Welcome Dear Patients, Visitors and Families: Annapolis Valley Health is one of nine district health authorities in Nova Scotia. We serve approximately 82,000 residents of Kings and Annapolis Counties. AVH provides services from six facilities and in many community-based programs across the district.

This guide, provided to us at no cost by Willow Publishing, was printed to help you navigate our district’s sites and services. Our hope is that you will find useful information about our sites and your rights as a patient or client at our facilities. Our health care providers want you to know your role as a S.M.A.R.T. Patient, what to bring to your appointments, and the ways you can get in contact with our district services.

Please do not hesitate to ask a question if you require more information – we are here to serve and support you. We value your feedback and welcome your suggestions.

We must also note that this is not a comprehensive list of programs and services offered by the district.

For information on our programs and services that might support you to be healthy and stay healthy, visit our website programs and services directory. You can find it at www.avdha. nshealth.ca Annapolis Valley Health.

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Table of Contents Welcome to Annapolis Valley Health .......................................... 2 Reference Guide to Commonly Used Terms and Abbreviations ....... 4 Our Vision, Mission and Values ...... 4

Directory of Services Accommodation............................ 5 Addiction Services ......................... 5 Admitting...................................... 6 Auxiliaries ..................................... 6 Bank Machine ............................... 6 Blood Collection ........................... 6 Cafeteria ....................................... 6 Cancer Care .................................. 7 Chapel & Chaplain ........................ 7 Concerns and Suggestions .............. 7 Consent ........................................ 7 Community Health Boards ............ 8 Diabetes Centres............................ 8 Diagnostic Imaging ........................ 8 Directions/Locations of our Sites .... 9 Discharge Information ................... 9 Emergency Departments ................ 9 Ethics Consultation ....................... 10 Fire Safety .................................... 10 Flowers .........................................11 Food Services ................................11 Foundations ..................................11 Gift Shop ..................................... 12 Health Centre Clinics ...................... 12 HealthLink 811 (The Nurse Line) .... 12 Help ............................................ 12 Home Care .................................. 12

Infection Control .......................... 13 Information Desk ......................... 13 Insurance ..................................... 13 Mail ............................................. 14 Mental Health Services ................. 15 Newspapers ................................. 15 Palliative Care .............................. 15 Parking ........................................ 16 Patient Fees .................................. 16 Patient/Client Satisfaction Line ...... 16 Pre-Assessment Clinic .................... 16 Privacy......................................... 16 Public Health................................ 17 Rehabilitation Services .................. 17 Scent Free Policy .......................... 18 Seniors Community Health Team .. 18 SMART Patient Program (Patient Safety) ............................. 18 Smoking ....................................... 19 TeleHealth ................................... 19 Telephone Services ....................... 19 Televisions.................................... 19 Valuables...................................... 19 Vending Machines ....................... 20 Veterans Affairs Canada Unit ....... 20 Volunteer Services ....................... 20 What to Bring to the Hospital...... 20

Community Supporters .....21

Please note, we are constantly changing to meet your needs.

The information presented here may be subject to change.

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Reference Guide to Commonly Used Terms and Abbreviations District: Annapolis and Kings Counties – the geographical area served by Annapolis Valley Health District Health Authority.

Health Care Provider: those providing your health care (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians, etc. ) Annapolis Valley Health is the organization responsible for delivery of health services to the residents of Annapolis and Kings Counties.

Sites ACHC–Annapolis Community Health Centre, Annapolis Royal SMH–Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton WKMHC–Western Kings Memorial Health Centre, Berwick CP–AVH Chipman, Kentville VRH–Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville EKMCHC–Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre, Wolfville

Our Vision Healthy people, caring communities, valued health care teams and partners.

Our Mission Working together to promote and improve the health of individuals, families and communities.

Our Values Integrity – Our decisions and actions reflect our commitment to accepted

ethical and professional conduct. We work to ensure that our conduct earns the support and trust of all segments of the public that we serve.

Accountability – We make rational, informed decisions based on the needs of our communities and best available evidence. We are accountable for our actions and the effective, sustainable management of resources.

Respect – We are committed to working in ways that promote dignity,

fairness and respect.

Collaboration – We work together with our communities and other

partners to achieve improved services and healthier communities.

Continuous Improvement – We are committed to quality and

evaluation.

Innovation – We seek opportunities to evaluate, change, grow and improve by fostering learning, inquiry and discovery.

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Directory of Services Accommodation

Annapolis Valley Health is comprised of 6 facilities within the Annapolis Valley: Annapolis Valley Community Health Centre, Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Valley Regional Hospital, AVH Chipman, Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre and Western Kings Memorial Community Health Centre.

We provide the following types of accommodations: • Standard ward four beds per room • Semi-private: two beds per room • Private: one bed per room We have a district bed policy. It is not always possible to provide your preference of accommodations. During your stay in our care, your bed is provided according to your health need, this bed may be at any location within the health district.

There is a daily rate for semi-private or private rooms, which may be covered if you have private health insurance.

Fidelis House Society Fidelis House Society, located on the Valley Regional Hospital grounds, is a volunteer non-profit, which provides a home-away-from-home for all patients and their families requiring accommodations close to Valley Regional Hospital. Overnight accommodation is available at a reasonable fee; children under 12 years of age stay free. You may make reservations by calling 902-679-6567.

Addiction Services

Addiction Services offers programs that help prevent or treat the harms caused by alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and gambling.

Are you affected by someone else’s drinking, smoking, other drug use, or gambling?

Would you like to quit or cut down on your own drinking, smoking, other drug use or gambling?

If yes, give us a call…we can help!

(902) 679- 2392 or (902) 825-6828 Crisis Response Services: (902) 679-2870 Gambling Help Line: 1-888-347-8888 (24-hour support) Withdrawal Management/Detoxification Services: (902) 825-1341 www.avdha.nshealth.ca

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Admitting

Valley Regional Hospital – Main Lobby at Central Registration Soldiers Memorial Hospital – Main Entrance Annapolis Community Health Centre – Main Entrance

Auxiliaries

• Annapolis Community Health Centre Auxiliary • Greenwood Health Auxiliary • Kingston & District Hospital Auxiliary • Nictaux Hospital Auxiliary • Port Williams Auxiliary • Soldiers Memorial Health Auxiliary • Valley Regional Hospital Auxiliary The Auxiliaries can be contacted by calling Annapolis Valley Health at (902) 538-3431.

Bank Machine

VRH: located in the main lobby SMH: located in the main lobby ACHC: located in the main lobby CP: located beside the cafeteria entrance

Blood Collection

Blood Collection at sites across the district.

ACHC: 8:00am – 9:30am EKM: 7:00am – 10:00am SMH: 7:00am – 10:30am VRH: 7:00am – 10:30am WKM: 7:00am – 10:00am

Cafeteria

Valley Regional Hospital – Lower Level Open 7:30am-2:30pm daily Annapolis Community Health Centre – Lower Level Open Daily 8:30am-1:30pm and 2:00pm-4:30pm Soldiers Memorial Hospital – Lower Level Open 7:00am – 1:30pm, Monday to Friday Chipman – open 7:30am – 2:30pm, Monday to Friday Coffee Shop The Valley Café is located in the main lobby of Valley Regional Hospital and is open from 7:00am-10:00pm Sunday to Saturday.

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Cancer Care

A Patient Navigator is available to support cancer patients, their families and health professionals by improving access and enhancing co-ordination of treatment, follow-up and support services. Navigators work closely with family doctors, cancer specialists, patients and their families to strengthen community cancer services. They also provide crucial information about available community and financial services.

This program is provided in partnership with Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

Contact the Cancer Patient Navigator at (902) 690-3700.

Chapel & Chaplain

The mission of Pastoral Care Services is to support patients, family and staff as they make sense of the spiritual dilemmas created by human suffering.

Pastoral Care Services utilize the services of a Coordinating Chaplain, community clergy, lay volunteers and students to respond to the spiritual and religious needs of patients, families and staff. At Valley Regional Hospital, an inter-faith chapel is located on Level 2. It is open 24 hours a day for use by patients, families, staff, volunteers and visitors. Most Wednesdays there are Chapel Services from 6:30 pm 7:00 pm, led by the chaplain or area clergy and musicians. Volunteers are available to help as needed. Music is provided for meditation daily at 10:00 am-11:00am. At Soldiers Memorial Hospital, an interfaith chapel is located on the 3rd Floor and is open 24 hours a day.

Concerns and Suggestions

AVH Patient/Client Satisfaction Line If you have compliments, suggestions or concerns about care provided at any facilities or through the programs or services of AVH, please call, (902) 679-2494. Where long distance charges apply, call 1-800-8869757. You can also fill out an online form on our website to share your experience, www.avdha.nshealth.ca in the Accessing AVH section.

Consent

Patients who require certain types of procedures will be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure. Please read this form carefully and ask your doctor for more explanation if you feel you do not fully understand the nature of the procedure or associated risks.

You will also be asked to sign a consent form before the release of any specific information related to your condition or your image (photo or video) for legal, promotional or educational purposes.

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Community Health Boards

There are five Community Health Boards serving the Annapolis Valley Health District. Their role is primarily the promotion of health and wellness in our communities. They work in partnership with a wide range of organizations and groups to help meet the health needs of the communities. Our CHBs working in their communities create collaborative community health plans, which are an important part of the district’s planning processes and one important way that AVH hears the voice of the community. For more information about the activities of the CHBs, visit us on the web: http://www.avdha. nshealth.ca/community.

Diabetes Centres

AVH has three Diabetes Centres. They are staffed by diabetes educators.

These nurses and dietitians have special training and can help you manage, prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. YOU can visit the centre to learn how to manage your diabetes by modifying your lifestyle to make it work for you.

We offer individual and group sessions. Programs are tailored to the needs of people with diabetes and their family member/support person(s).

We promote self-management to enhance optimal diabetes management, quality of life, and reduced risk of developing diabetes complications. We work with family physicians, specialists and other team members and community agencies to provide comprehensive care for our area.

Programs and services are based on the major elements of diabetes management, which are healthy eating, physical activity, self-blood glucose monitoring, medication, and self-management.

Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville (902) 679-1849 Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton (902) 825-6160 ext. 243/291 Annapolis Community Health Centre, Annapolis Royal (902) 532-2381

Diagnostic Imaging

VRH – Monday-Friday, 11:00am-3:30pm ACHC – Monday-Friday, 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:30pm SMH – Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:30pm-3:30pm EKMCHC – Tues/Thurs 8:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-3:30pm, Wed 1:00-4:30pm & 6:00-8:30pm WKMHC – Monday–Friday 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:30pm

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Directions/Locations of our Sites

VRH – 150 Exhibition Street, Kentville, NS ACHC – 821 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal, NS SMH – 462 Main Street, Middleton, NS EKMCHC – 23 Earnscliffe Avenue, Wolfville, NS WKMHC – 121 Orchard Street, Berwick, NS CP – 15 Chipman Drive, Kentville, NS

Discharge Information

Discharge Planning is an important part of your care. Professional help is available to help you plan the health care you may require after your stay.

Discharge Planning can: • Help you develop a discharge plan that is best suited for you.

• Provide information about post-hospital care services and equipment available in your area.

• Make referrals to Continuing Care for services such as Home Care, Home Oxygen or Long Term Care, etc.

• Make arrangements with health care agencies to provide the services you need.

A family member or friend should take you home after a Hospital stay. Please make sure you have all your belongings as well as any aftercare instructions and prescriptions you may be given by your health care provider. It is important that you understand all instructions about your medication, diet, activity and return appointments. If you are unsure about anything, ask your health care provider before you leave.

Emergency Departments

Annapolis Valley Health has three Emergency Departments which are open 24/7.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, we use a five level triaging (assessing) structure to streamline patients in those facilities providing emergency care. Our emergency departments assess, diagnose, refer, admit to hospital and provide treatments to patients in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.

Valley Regional Hospital Emergency (VRH) Kentville, NS Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency (SMH) Middleton, NS Annapolis Community Health Centre (ACHC) Annapolis Royal, NS

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If you have an emergency, please call 911 to ensure the most appropriate care.

To speak to a Registered Nurse at any time, please call 811.

Ethics Consultation

Annapolis Valley Health has a process in place to support individuals or groups facing an ethical dilemma. This can be arranged through the unit manager.

Fire Safety

Fire Exits are clearly marked throughout our Hospitals and sites. Do not attempt to use the elevators during a fire alarm. All fire doors will automatically close until the ALL CLEAR announcement is made overhead. During a fire alarm, remain in your area and do not move throughout the Hospitals or buildings unless directed by Staff or Fire Department personnel.

Fire Drills Fire drills are held regularly to ensure our employees, physicians and volunteers are prepared to respond to fire emergencies. Drills may be held at various times during the day and evening. When you hear the fire alarm, please return to your room unless otherwise instructed.

Visitors are also asked to remain in the patient’s room until further instruction is given. As a fire safety precaution, patient room doors close when the fire alarm rings. Please remain calm. One of the nurses will come check on you.

Please do not use elevators when the fire alarm is ringing unless you are given permission by responding fire department personnel.

Emergency Codes AVH has a series of codes to communicate specific situations that could arise within the health environment. Should you hear one of these codes, please remain calm and allow our trained professionals to deal with the situation.

Flowers

Flowers and plants sent to you while in hospital will be delivered to your bedside. Always wash your hands after handling plants and flowers. Flowers are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

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The Food Service Department is pleased to provide nutritious meals to you during your stay. The menu that is delivered is based on Canada’s Food Guide and any dietary orders that you need. You are asked to tell us if you have any food allergies or special diet needs. During your stay, you may be scheduled for tests or procedures that require either that you not eat or that you only eat certain food items. In these cases, your meal may be cancelled or substituted. www.avdha.nshealth.ca

If your doctor orders a special diet for you, a dietitian will visit and explain the diet to you and your family.

VRH Information on the Dial 4 Dining meal ordering system will be provided to you. The Dial 4 Dining hours of operation are from 7:00am – 5:30pm and your meal will be delivered within 40 minutes of placing the order.

SMH Your meal will be pre-ordered and delivered to your room each day.

Delivery times are follows: Breakfast 8:00-8:30am Lunch 11:20- 11:50am Dinner 4:20-4:50pm ACHC A traditional menu is available with standard meal times. No room service is available for meals

Foundations

Eastern Kings Memorial Health Foundation (902) 542-2359 Wolfville, NS www.ekmhealthfoundation.ca Valley Regional Hospital Foundation Kentville, NS (902) 678-5414 www.vrhfoundation.ca West Kings Memorial Health Society Berwick, NS (902) 538-0096 www.wkmhc.com Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation Middleton, NS (902) 825-3411 Annapolis West Health Foundation Annapolis Royal, NS (902) 532-2381 www.annapoliswesthealthfoundation.com Valley Hospice Foundation Wolfville, NS (902) 542-2265 www.valleyhospice.ca

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Gift Shop

Our hospital auxiliaries operate Gift Shops at VRH and SMH. Apple Bin Gift Shop – Valley Regional Hospital Weekdays and Saturday - 10:00am-4:00pm and 6:30pm-8:00pm Sundays and Holidays - 1:00pm-4:00pm and 6:30pm to 8:00pm

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Carousel Gift Shop – Soldiers Memorial Hospital Monday to Friday – 10:00am-4:00pm and 6:30pm-7:30pm Saturday and Sunday – 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:30pm-7:30pm

Health Centre Clinics (these clinics are for non-urgent health needs) Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre (EKM) 5:00pm-9:00pm weekdays, 10:00pm –5:00pm on Sunday; Closed Saturday and Holidays Wolfville, NS Phone: (902) 542-0528 Western Kings Memorial Health Centre (WKM) 5:00pm-9:00pm weekdays, 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday; Closed Sunday and Holidays Berwick, NS Phone: (902) 538-3111

HealthLink 811 (The Nurse Line)

HealthLink 811 is Nova Scotia’s 24-hour, seven days a week telecare service. When you call 811, registered nurses will give you the advice and information you need and provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health issues and questions.

Advice and information may include a recommendation to see your doctor or visit your local emergency department. You can also obtain information about health issues and services available in your community.

Reliable information about health topics is also available online at www.NSHealthLink811.ca. This information will help you understand health issues that matter to you, your family and community.

Help

If you require assistance at any time, please use the call bell attached to your bed.

Home Care

Continuing Care serves people who need ongoing care outside of hospital, either on a long-term or short-term basis, providing access to: • Home care • Long-term care (such as a nursing home or residential care facility) • Protection for vulnerable adults

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The one number to call toll-free in Nova Scotia to connect with Continuing Care services is 1-800-225-7225. Out of province callers, please call 1-902-424-4288. This number operates every day, including weekends, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Infection Control

Our Infection Prevention and Control department works diligently with all health care providers to deliver best practices and provide patients with safe, quality care. Hand hygiene is the best way to stop the spread of infection. Washing your hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds or using hand sanitizer gel if hands are visibly clean will work. Remember to wash your hands often! It is always okay to remind visitors and healthcare providers to wash their hands.

When visiting family members and friends in the hospital, or visiting a clinic, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself and loved ones from illness: • Please do not visit patients when you have a cold or flu like symptoms.

• Do not visit more than one patient during visiting hours.

• Check with the nursing station before visiting patients with coloured isolation signs posted outside their room.

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer found throughout the hospital before and after visiting patients.

• Use paper towel to shut off taps after washing your hands.

• Cover your cough or sneeze and be sure to wash your hands afterward.

• To protect yourself from colds and other infections, always keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Keep your hands away from your IV tube, catheter tube and any open wounds to prevent them from becoming infected.

Information Desk

Located at the Main Entrance of the Valley Regional Hospital. The desk is operated by Volunteer Services and is open from 8:00am to 8:00pm. The Information Desk can be reached by calling 678-7381 # 2510 or #2560.

Insurance

If you have coverage in addition to, or instead of, MSI, you may wish to check with your insurance company as to further services that may or may not be covered.

Under MSI, the following are some uninsured services that you may be billed for: • Acupuncture, chiropractors, naturopaths, podiatrists, osteopaths • Patient requested

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• cosmetic surgery (facelift, tattoo removal, skin tag removal) • cosmetic treatment of varicose veins • in-vitro fertilization • reversal of tubal ligation or vasectomy • Health aids or devices • Eye glasses and hearing aids • Trusses • Crutches • Surgical appliances • Wheelchairs • Medical supplies • Drugs, syringes, sutures, dressings, allergy sera, vaccines not issued by the Department of Health and Wellness (some of these are covered during your hospital stay) • Completion of forms • Certificate of illness, government forms, insurance forms • Day care • Medical advice by telephone or letter and/or missed appointments (office or surgery)

Mail

Mail and flowers sent to you will be delivered to your room. Mail should be addressed to the following (please include a return address on all mail): Patient’s full name – Room # Valley Regional Hospital 150 Exhibition Street Kentville, NS B4N 5E3 Patient’s full name – Room # Annapolis Community Health Centre P.O. Box 426 821 St. George Street Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0 Patients full name – Room # Soldiers Memorial Hospital 462 Main Street P.O. Box 730 Middleton, NS B0S 1P0

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Mental Health Services Mental Health Programs provide services to people of all age groups with mental health concerns. Trained and experienced clinicians provide information and treatment based on the best available research evidence. Services are provided by a team of professionals, which include psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, community support workers, nurses and occupational therapists, all supported by a team of administrative personnel.

The team works together with consumers, family physicians, community agencies, and other health providers to ensure that everyone has the information they require to make informed decisions regarding their treatment plan.

For Emergency Services: Contact your family physician or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Crisis Response Services: (902) 679-2870 King’s County ADULT PROGRAM Phone (902) 679-2870 CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM Phone (902) 679-2873 Annapolis County ADULT/CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS Phone (902) 825-4825

Newspapers

VRH – Information Desk – Advertiser, Register and Chronicle Herald SMH – Main Lobby - Chronicle Herald ACHC – Nurses Station (inpatients only) – Chronicle Herald and Spectator

Palliative Care

The Palliative Care team is available for consultation in the home, nursing home or in hospital throughout AVH. They will provide support and education for skills development of health care providers working in Palliative Care.

The strength of Annapolis Valley Health’s Palliative Care program is closely linked to its strong partnerships with VON, Continuing Care Nova Scotia, volunteer groups, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, long term care facilities and other community groups in the district. Our inpatient facilities provide Palliative Care services for those patients who cannot remain at home.

An assessment and physician referral is required.

(902) 542-6303.

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Parking

There is a parking fee of $2.00 at all sites owned by the district*. You will be required to deposit the correct change as you exit the parking lot. For your convenience, change and banking machines are located near the main entrances**. *Western Kings Memorial Health Centre in Berwick, NS is not owned by the DHA therefore parking is provided at no charge. There is no bank or change machine in this location. **At Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre, there is no bank machine There is only a change machine in the front lobby.

Patient Fees

Most services within the facility are insured by MSI or your private insurance company. However, some services do require payment by the patient. (See: Insurance) If a patient has been medically discharged by the attending physician, and is awaiting placement within a long term care facility, the patient must either leave the hospital or pay a daily fee to remain within the hospital. Special arrangements may be made depending on the patient’s financial circumstances.

Patient/Client Satisfaction Line

If you have compliments, suggestions or concerns about the care provided at any of our facilities or through our programs or services of Annapolis Valley Health, please call (902) 679-2494; Toll-free: 1-800-886-9757.

Pre-Assessment Clinic

Before your surgery, Annapolis Valley Health may arrange for you to visit our pre-assessment clinic where you will receive information about what to expect before and after your procedure. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about your upcoming procedure and hospital stay and is intended to make sure you fully understand what to expect when you arrive at the hospital and following your procedure.

Privacy

Annapolis Valley Health values your privacy and understands that your health information is personal and must be protected. You have the right to understand how and why we collect, use and share your personal health information. The personal health information that is collected will be used for your care and treatment. Some of your personal health information may be shared without your permission: • To obey legal and regulatory requirements • To improve the quality of health care service

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• For approved research, statistics and teaching • With Provincial Health Programs to improve care and education Your personal health information will not be released to anyone else without your permission. If you have questions or concerns about the privacy of your personal health information, please contact the Privacy Office at privacyoffice@avdha.nshealth.ca

Public Health

Public Health works with communities to identify health needs to support individual and community action to prevent illness, protect and promote health, and achieve well being.

Core services are: • Communicable disease prevention and control • Non-communicable disease and injury prevention • Health enhancement Services provided by Public Health include, but are not limited to: • Pre-natal education • Healthy Beginnings Enhanced Home Visiting Program • Support for breastfeeding moms and their families Individuals may self-refer to Public Health. For more information, go to www.avdha.nshealth.ca

Rehabilitation Services

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services are offered at most sites.

Occupational Therapy services include home and community visits: • special seating prescription, splinting and functional, perceptual, developmental, and cognitive assessments.

Physiotherapy services include: • assessment and treatment of mobility disorders resulting from injury, disease, disability, birth defects or long periods of inactivity.

Services can be accessed directly by the client/caregiver or through referrals from the family physician or specialist.

ACHC: (902) 532-7446 (Physiotherapy) (902) 532-2381 x 4020 (Occupational Therapy) EKM: (902) 542-2412 SMH: (902) 825-3411 x 358 WKM: (902) 538-3111 VRH: (902) 679-2657 x 2770

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Scent Free Policy

AVH employs and practices a total Scent Free Policy throughout the entire district. Please remember that many everyday products use fragrances and perfumes, including shampoo, deodorant and fabric softeners, and many of these chemicals make staff and patients ill.

Please use scent free/odour free products.

Seniors Community Health Team

The seniors team supports Annapolis Valley Seniors living at home. A member of the team will come to your home, do a review, provide information and advice to help you remain at home and in your community as long as possible. The team understands the needs of older persons and works closely with other care providers. By promoting health and safety, the team supports healthy aging and independence. Please call (902) 825-4421.

SMART

SMART Patient Program (Patient Safety)

Our health care professionals are working hard to make sure you receive the best and safest health care possible. You can help too, by being an active, involved and informed member of your health care team. People who are more involved with their care tend to do better and stay safer.

Are you a S.M.A.R.T Patient?

A SMART patient knows that safety is their concern too. It is always okay for you to ask us questions about your care.

Safety in the Hospital and at Home Wash or sanitize your hands. Cough and sneeze into your elbow to prevent the spread of germs. Wear non-slip footwear. Use wheelchairs, walkers or crutches. Install bed rails, nightlights, shower bars and tub benches to prevent falls.

Medication: Be Aware Know the names of the medications you take and why you take them. Keep a list of the medications you take and carry it in your wallet. Do not share your medications.

Ask Questions Ask about your condition. Ask about your medications. Ask about your care plan. Ask about what to expect after surgery.

Recovery at Home Know how to take care of yourself after you leave the hospital. Have a family member or friend stay with you. Know what are good and bad symptoms to watch for.

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Talk and Tell Tell your doctor about your medical history. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you are concerned about a test or procedure. Tell your doctor or nurse if you do not understand what they are saying.

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited on all AVH properties. Annapolis Valley Health asks you to respect other patients’ health as well as the law.

TeleHealth

The Nova Scotia Telehealth Network (NSTHN) is a video conferencing communications network that connects healthcare focused facilities across Nova Scotia. The NSTHN uses video conferencing technologies to improve access to health services for patients, families and healthcare professionals.

Patients from across Nova Scotia can meet face-to-face with health care professionals located anywhere on the network, without leaving their home communities. This saves patients the time, stress and expense associated with travel. Barriers to health care access including travel costs or inclement weather are removed. There is no charge for using this equipment.

Patients are referred to use this service from their health care provider.

If you feel that your care could benefit, please ask your care provider about TeleHealth options.

Telephone Services

ACHC - Each patient room has a phone, which the patient is able to access but is not able to make long distant calls.

SMH – Each patient room has a phone. Patients can dial 499 and make arrangements for service. There is a fee for this service.

VRH - Each patient room has a phone that receives incoming calls. Patients can dial 499 to make arrangements for service to place outgoing calls; there is a fee for this service.

Televisions

Televisions are located in most impatient rooms and the patient can request connection for service. There may be a fee for television service.

Valuables

Patients are encouraged not to bring valuables for any length of stay in the Hospital. The Annapolis Valley District Health Authority does not assume responsibility for a patient’s personal belongings.

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Vending Machines

ACHC – located next to the cafeteria door SMH – located in the main lobby outside the Gift Shop VRH – located in main entrance lobby and on Level I near the cafeteria

Veterans Affairs Canada Unit

A team of health professionals assist in their care and an active social program is supported by many community volunteers. At Soldiers Memorial Hospital, every effort is made to provide an environment which supports a home-like atmosphere and delivers high quality health care. The Veterans Affairs Canada unit is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

To determine eligibility of veterans, interviews may be arranged by calling Veterans Affairs Canada at 1-866-522-2122.

Mailing Address: VAC Unit Soldiers Memorial Hospital PO Box 730 Middleton, Nova Scotia Canada, B0S 1P0

Volunteer Services

Annapolis Valley Health has more than 1,200 volunteers. These men, women and youth contribute their time and talent to support patient care and staff in all areas of the hospital. To learn more about our volunteer programs or to become part of the volunteer team, contact Volunteer Services at (902) 679-2657 x 2500.

What to Bring to the Hospital

• your health card • any other health insurance cards that you have (Blue Cross, Maritime Medical, etc.).

• the medication you are currently taking or a list containing names of drugs and dosages. Bringing your medications allows your care provider to accurately assess which medications you are taking and how you are taking them. We use this information to determine if your medication may be contributing to the reason for your visit.

• medications that are to be brought with you include: • over the counter products (vitamins and herbal remedies) • all prescription medications (blister packed medications, vials from drug store, creams, ointments, patches, injections, etc).

• a list of any known allergies and sensitivities

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Community Supporters Annapolis Valley Health is grateful to all advertisers for helping to make this directory possible. Please note that an advertisement in this directory does not imply an endorsement by Annapolis Valley Health.

Assisted Living Wickwire Place....................................................................................................22

Emergency Response Northwood intouch............................................................................................22

Hearing Services Beltone................................................................................................................21 Fundy Hearing Solutions......................................................................................22

Home Health Care Careforce............................................................................................................ 23

Residential Care Tibbitts Home for Special Care............................................................................ 22

Retirement Residence Wickwire Place....................................................................................................22

Yarmouth: Wolfville: Barrington:

508 Main St. 4 Little Road The Courtyard

902 742-7774 902 542-9411 800 565-7774

2012

The MosT TrusTed Brand for QualiTy & service

Patient Services Directory

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• Assisted/Independent living suites •Weekly housekeeping • 24 hour staff presence • Noon meal included • Activities room & hair salon •Walking Paths • Generator for emergency power • Furnished respite suites for short term stays • One monthly inclusive bill 30 Wickwire Avenue, Wolfville (902) 697-3040 (ext.5) www.wickwireplace.ca • wickwireplace@eastlink.ca

“WE CARE FOR THOSE YOU CARE FOR” Personal Care Services at Tibbetts are provided by qualified Residential Care Attendants 24 Hour Supervision • Monthly physician visits • Monthly pre-packaged medication • Weekly Hairdressing Services • Three Home Cooked Meals plus afternoon and before bedtime snacks • Daily Housekeeping and Laundry services • Daily Physical Activities For Admittance - call 1-800-225-7225 for Nova Scotia Department of Health, or, contact your Hospital Discharge Planner *Financial assistance available through D.O.H.

15074 Highway 1, Wilmot, P.O. Box 519, Kingston, N.S. B0P 1H0 1-902-765-6614 pr 1-902-765-0687

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Providing trusted & caring

Helping you live comfortably in your own home.

home cAre throughout the AnnAPolis VAlley

since 1990

• Registered Nurse on call 24/7

• Housekeeping and Cooking

• Companionship

• Assistance with Outings

• Personal Care

• Facility and Hospital Visits

• Alzheimer & Dementia Care

• Respite Care

• Veteran Care through DVA

• Palliative Care

For a FREE in-home consultation call one of our three Annapolis Valley locations 1-866-966-1466

www.careforce.ca Careforce_Ad_6x9_FINAL.indd 1

Patient Services Directory

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