South Shore Health Patient and Family Safety and Services Directory - Lunenburg & Queens Counties by Willow Publishing

PLEASE TAKE THIS COMPLIMENTARY COPY WITH YOU

Patient and Client Safety and Services South Shore - Lunenburg and Queens Counties www.southshorehealth.ca

WELCOME TO SOUTH SHORE

Welcome Our staff, physicians and volunteers are committed to providing you with the best care possible in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying in hospital, using our outpatient services, receiving services in the community or your home, our health care team will strive to meet your needs. We believe all patients and clients deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion and integrity, and respect your right to make informed decisions about your health care. We serve communities with diverse race, language and ethnic backgrounds. We strive to create a respectful environment that responds to the cultural, racial and spiritual needs of our patients and clients We invite you to share information that can help us better understand how we can meet those needs. This package contains information we hope you will find helpful. However, never hesitate to ask us a question. For more information about our programs and services visit us at www.nshealth.ca.

You Are an Important Member of Your Health Care Team We encourage you and your caregivers to talk openly about your health care. If you have any questions or want to talk more about your rights and responsibilities, please speak with a member of your health care team. Your comments are important to us. Please ask your caregiver how you can participate in our Client Experience Survey, call us toll-free at 1-855-8817063, write to: 90 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3S6 or email us at: wearelistening@nshealth.ca

Need a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner? If you live in Lunenburg or Queens County and DO NOT currently have a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner, add your name to a database. You will be contacted if space becomes available. Call 902-527-1549, 1 844-226-6517 or email healthcentre@nshealth.ca. Please include your name and the names of any other people in your household looking for a care provider, as well as your phone number.

Healthy people, healthy communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for generations

Patient and Client Safety

Programs and Services

Preparing for Your Stay (What to Bring to Hospital)...............5

Breastfeeding Support Network ....16

Preparing to Return Home (Discharge Planning)..........................6

Centre for Restorative Care ............16

Preparing to Return Home My Ongoing Care Plan................... 7-8 Allergies..............................................9 Client/Patient Identification............10 Confidentiality..................................10 Consent ............................................10 Falls Prevention................................. 11

Cancer Patient Navigation...............16 Community Health Boards...............16 Continuing Care (formerly called Home Care).......................................17 Equipment Loans..............................17 Geriatric Services..............................17 Health Information and Referral System...............................................18

Safe environment............................. 11

Health Related Education Programs...........................................18

Fire Safety.........................................12

Hearing and Speech.........................19

Help...................................................12

Laboratory Services..........................19

Infection Prevention and Control ...12

Mental Health and Addiction..........20

Medicines..........................................14

Midwives...........................................20

Personal Belongings.........................14 Privacy...............................................15

Nutrition Education/ Counseling Services..........................20

Scent Policy.......................................15

Obstetrics Clinic................................21

Security.............................................15

Palliative Care ..................................21 Pre-Assessment Clinic.......................22 Public Health Services ......................22 Rehabilitation Services.....................22 Seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Community Health Team...23 TeleHealth.........................................23 Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Unit...................................23

www.southshorehealth.ca

WELCOME TO SOUTH SHORE

Table of Contents

WELCOME TO SOUTH SHORE

Hospital Information Accommodations..............................24 Auxiliaries.........................................24 Baby Friendly....................................25 Bank/Change Machines....................25 Bill Payment......................................25 Donations.........................................25 Health Services Foundation of the South Shore................................26

Parking..............................................29 Patient Care Directives.....................29 Patient Comments............................30 Patient / Client Complaints..............30 Pet Therapy.......................................31 Physician Visits..................................31 Quiet Rooms and Solariums.............31 Room Temperature..........................31 Smoking............................................31

Electrical Appliances.........................26

Spiritual Care ...................................31

Environmental Services....................26

Telephones........................................32

Ethics Consultation...........................27

Televisions.........................................33

Flowers .............................................27

Visiting Hours...................................33

Food Services....................................27

Volunteer Services............................34

Hairdressing Services........................28

Wireless Internet Connection..........34

Health Records..................................28 Laundry.............................................28 Mail...................................................28

Community Supporters Index..............................................35

Newspapers......................................29

PLEASE NOTE: We are constantly changing to meet your needs. The information contained in this document is subject to change.

Healthy people, healthy communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for generations

We want you to have the best care possible. We have many safeguards in place to reduce the chances of anything going wrong while you are under our care. To make those safeguards the best they can be we need your help by being an active, involved and informed member of your health care team. Your safety is a shared responsibility. People who are more involved with their care tend to do better and stay safer.

Why are you in the hospital? You should know why you’re here and what is going to happen to you. This can include: • the benefits and risks of your treatment/surgery • any alternative treatment/surgery • what will happen if you do not receive this treatment/surgery Before surgery, you and your surgeon should agree on exactly what will be done. Markings are usually made while you are awake to identify the correct area of your surgery. For example, left eye or right leg. This is done before you go into the room where the surgery is done. Staff and Surgeons take this step taken to ensure that surgery is done on the right location. Ask about any tests or blood work you have had or were scheduled to have. Don’t assume “no news is good news”.

Preparing for Your Stay (What to Bring to Hospital) This list is designed as a general guide to help you decide what you may need while in hospital. • Medications from Home: Patients are encouraged to bring all of their medications from home into hospital with them. Medications that are to be brought in include: - “over the counter products” (e.g. vitamins and herbal products), - all prescription medications (blister packed medications, vials from drug store, creams, ointments, patches, injections etc)

Bringing your medications from home into the hospital with you allows your healthcare staff to accurately assess what medications you are taking at home and how you are taking them. We use this information to determine if your medications may be contributing to the reason for your admission to hospital. If some information is missing, we may contact other sources to ensure we have an accurate picture of your medication record at home (e.g. community pharmacies you deal with, your physician’s office, old charts, other caretakers)

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PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

Patient and Client Safety

PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

• • • • • • • •

You may be allowed to use your own medications if they are not stocked by the hospital pharmacy. Talk to your care provider about this. A list of any known allergies and sensitivities Your Nova Scotia Health Card Private health insurance cards, for example: Maritime Medical Care or Blue Cross Personal care items such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant. Please remember, we offer a scent-free environment Be sure to bring items that you require daily such as eye glasses, hearing aids, dentures, cane, etc. Sleepwear and housecoat Shoes and slippers with non-slip soles Magazines, a book, or something to occupy your time

Preparing to Return Home (Discharge Planning) Our goal is to help you return safely to your home and community following hospitalization. Staff are available to help you and your family if you need specific services to return home, or need an alternate place to live after discharge such as a Boarding Home or Nursing Home. They will meet with you shortly after your admission, to determine your needs, and work with you throughout your hospital stay. If your plan is to return home, they will help you explore the options available to help you and make referrals to appropriate agencies. If you are having elective surgery, it is a good idea to have a plan in place for family or friends to help you at home while you are recovering. If this is not possible, request to speak to a Discharge Coordinator to assist you with this. Before you leave hospital, ask your doctor or other health care professionals to explain the treatment plan you will use at home and what you can expect.

Make sure you: • understand what is normal and what is not normal; for instance, the amount of bleeding, drainage, or pain that is to be expected. • are clear about what you need to do at home including the medicines you need and information about a follow-up visit. • have a phone number to call in case you have any questions or have difficulties. Your health care team will inform you when you are able to return home or to another care setting. The hospital has a daily waiting list of patients for admission.

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

Before leaving the hospital, please make sure you have all your belongings, including any medications you may have brought with you, and arrange payment of any fees you may have been charged during your stay in hospital. Once you have been “medically discharged” from hospital, you are no longer entitled to insured hospital services. This means that you no longer require acute care hospital services. If you cannot return home, you will then be classified as “alternate level of care” (ALC). Most “alternate level of care” patients are waiting for admission to a Long-Term Care facility. If you remain in hospital while waiting for Long-Term Care, you will be charged a daily fee to help contribute to the cost of your care. This fee is based on your income, and will be calculated by the Discharge Coordinator / Social Worker. Your Power-ofAttorney, Next of Kin, or family member, may assist you with this process.

Preparing to Return Home My Ongoing Care Plan 1. Who do I call if I have any concerns or problems? Name:_______________________________________________________________ Number:_____________________________________________________________ 2. Health problem I was treated for:

_____________________________________________________________________

3. Medical treatment I received:

_____________________________________________________________________

4. What doctor will manage my care at home?

_____________________________________________________________________

5. What do I need to do at home and why?

_____________________________________________________________________

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PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

In order for us to clean and prepare the room for the next patient, we ask that you leave the room by 11 am on the day of your discharge.

PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

6. What can I expect?

_____________________________________________________________________

7. When should I call the doctor, nurse or go to the Emergency Department?

_____________________________________________________________________

8. Can I go back to my usual diet and activities?

Yes

Special Instructions:

_____________________________________________________________________

9. Can I go back to work?

Yes

Special Instructions:

_____________________________________________________________________

10. Do I need any follow-up?

Yes

Special Instructions:

_____________________________________________________________________

11. When should I make an appointment to see my family doctor?

_____________________________________________________________________

12. What medication(s) should I be taking? (Are they different form the ones I was taking before I was in the hospital? If so, what was stopped and or started? Did I receive the prescription(s) that I need?):

_____________________________________________________________________

13. When can I drive my car?

_____________________________________________________________________

Healthy people, healthy communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for generations

PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

When you are receiving any service such as in the hospital, clinics, Primary care Provider office, ask questions and provide information. You might say ... • I’m not sure I understand what you said … • I’m worried that … • Could you please explain that to me again? • Can I come back with my family to talk about this again?

Find out more about your condition or treatments. You might ask ... • Can you please tell me more about my condition? • Do you have any information that I can take with me? • Why do I need this test? • How will this treatment help me? • What are the risks of this treatment? test? • What is likely to happen if I don’t have this treatment? • What does the treatment involve? Will I be uncomfortable? • What do I need to do to prepare for the test? • When should I come back to see you?

Where can I find more information about patient safety? • • • •

Nova Scotia Health Authority: www.nshealth.ca Nova Scotia Department of Health: http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/ Canadian Patient Safety Institute: http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca Safer Healthcare Now!: http://www.saferhealthcarenow.ca

Allergies It is important that people caring for you know about your allergies – including your community pharmacist. If you wear a medical alert or allergy bracelet, make sure your caregivers are aware of this. Remember to tell the doctors and nurses if you have allergies or have ever had a bad reaction to an anesthetic (medication used during surgery to put you to sleep) or any other drug. If you have any known drug allergies, you will be required to wear a bracelet while in hospital to alert staff that you have an allergy. Expect care givers to check this information often. They may ask you questions about your allergies many times.

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PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

Client/Patient Identification While you are receiving care, you will be asked questions to help us know who you are. Staff need to do this, even if they know you, to be sure you are receiving the correct care and treatment. There are a number of people in the area with the same name. When you are admitted to hospital or in for a procedure, you will be given an identification bracelet which contains important information and must be worn until you leave the hospital. If you lose or damage your bracelet, please ask your health care provider for a replacement. Check that the information on your bracelet is correct. Expect team members to check this information before giving you medicines, a blood transfusion, taking blood samples or doing procedures. Your identification will need to be checked when care is provided in the community. This may be care you receive in your home, a visit to a diabetic nurse, or counseling in an office. You will not need an identification bracelet, but you will be asked to tell us your name (even if you are a neighbor or someone we care for frequently) and Date of Birth. You will also be asked about your allergies. Do not hesitate to tell the person providing your care if you think he or she has confused you with another person.

Confidentiality Our confidentiality policy is designed to protect the privacy of patients, residents, clients and employees. The policy, which pertains to records and personal, medical and any other information relating to the business of the organization, applies to everyone involved in the organization including staff, physicians, volunteers, clergy and students.

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 health care provider 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 release of any specific information related to your condition or your image (photo or video) for legal, promotional or educational purposes.

Healthy people, healthy communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for generations

Many patients have reduced mobility, sight and hearing. There is an increased risk of falls in the hospital. Family and friends can help reduce the risk of falls. Please remove any obstacles on the way to the bathroom or hallway and ensure the patient’s call bell is within reach. For more information refer to: “A Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Falling While in Hospital”.

Safe environment

• Take it slowly. The hours spent in bed (or sitting in a chair) can affect your balance. • Sit for a short time on the edge of your bed until you feel steady before standing or walking. • Ensure that your call bell is always within reach. • Be careful not to over reach for things. If you can’t reach something, call for help. • If you have trouble getting in and out of bed, talk to the health care team about how to make it easier.

Assist with mobility

• Wait for staff to come and help you before moving if they have told you that you must have help. • Always use a mobility device such as a cane or walker if your healthcare team has told you to use one. • Wear shoes at all times on all floor surfaces. • Tell your healthcare team right away when you need to go to the bathroom. • Tell your team about any medication that makes you feel dizzy, drowsy, or confused.

Fall Risk Reduction

• Wait a minute until you are steady on your feet before you start to walk • Wear non-slip, well fitting footwear. • Wear your glasses and hearing aid if you need them.

Engage patient and family

• Ask your health care provider about your risk factors. • Discuss with your family and support people.

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PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

Falls Prevention

PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

Fire Safety Hospital staff members are trained in fire prevention and safety procedures. If you hear the fire alarm, please remain calm. Staff will immediately begin safety procedures and it is important that you follow their instructions. Fire drills are held regularly to ensure our staff 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 and a “code red” announcement, please return to your room unless otherwise instructed by staff. Visitors are also asked to stay in the patient’s room until further instructions are given. As a fire safety precaution, patient room doors normally close when the fire alarm rings. Please remain calm. One of the nursing staff will come to check on you. Please do not use elevators when the fire alarm is ringing unless you are given permission by the fire department.

Help If you require assistance at any time while in hospital, please use the call bell attached to your bed. The call system allows the nursing staff to speak to you from the nurse’s station.

Infection Prevention and Control Hand Hygiene (Washing) Good hand hygiene is the best way to stop the spread of infection and disease. Staff and volunteers are committed to providing safe care and recognize the importance of washing their hands with soap and water or using alcohol hand sanitizer before and after any contact with patients and/or touching patient belongings, surfaces, supplies and equipment. If you do not see your health provider wash their hands when you think they should, it is OK to ask them to do so. There are two ways hand hygiene can be performed: • Alcohol-based hand rub • Soap and water. When hands are visibly soiled, soap and water must be used.

In the hospital, there are four important moments for Hand Hygiene The four moments for hand hygiene is used by staff and volunteers to identify the essential times to wash their hands. Hand hygiene is completed before and after any contact with patients and/or touching patient belongings, surfaces, supplies and equipment.

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

Moments for Hand Hygiene

PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

Your

septic re A ure o f Be roced p Before initiAl pAtient / pAtient environMent contAct

After pAtient / pAtient environMent contAct

Af Bodte r exp Y fluid osure risk

1 2 We ask all visitors to help us protect our patients by washing their hands outside3each patient room before and after visiting. Hand Hygiene is Everyone’s Responsibility! 4 Special precautions: WHEN? Clean your hands when entering:

Before initial patient / patient patient youcontact haveWHY? an environment

• before touching patient or

After body fluid exposure risk

WHEN? Clean your hands immediately after an exposure risk to body fluids (and after glove removal)

After patient / patient environment contact

WHEN? Clean your hands when leaving:

Catalogue No. CIB-26271 1,000 Jan/08 © Queen’s Printer for Ontario

• before touching any object or furniture in the patient’s environment As a important role in washing your own hands and To protect the patient/patient environment from harmful germs carried on your hands asking family, visitors and your healthcare providers to clean their hands WHEN? Clean your hands immediately before any aseptic procedure Before aseptic before and after visiting room orharmful caring for the you. procedure To protect the patient against germs, including patient’s own germs, entering his or her body WHY? your

WHY? To protect yourself and the health care environment from harmful patient germs

• after touching patient or • after touching any object or furniture in the patient’s environment

WHY? To protect yourself and the health care environment from harmful patient germs

Adapted from WHO poster “Your 5 moments for Hand Hygiene,” 2006.

Sometimes patients need extra precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Your room may have a special sign on it. If this is the case, please follow the instructions or ask the nurse if you need help. Vaccines are available for protection from some diseases. Ask your doctor if you should receive influenza, pneumonia or any other vaccination while you are in hospital. To protect your health and that of other patients, we ask that any family or friends who are sick with colds, flu, a runny nose, fever, diarrhea, new rash or any other potentially contagious illness, not visit the hospital. For more information please ask for the patient brochure “Partners in Infection Prevention and Control”. www.southshorehealth.ca

PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

Medicines • Keep a list of all the medicines you are taking. • Let your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist know about all the medicines you are taking, and about any drug allergies you may have. Remember to include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and vitamins. • Don’t be afraid to tell the nurse or the doctor if you think you are about to receive the wrong medicine. • Read the label on your prescription when you pick it up from the pharmacy. If you don’t recognize it by the colour or size, make sure it is what your doctor ordered for you. • When you get your medicine, read the label, including the warnings. If the label is too difficult to read, let your pharmacist know. • Make sure that if you are seeing more than one doctor, each is aware of your visits to the other. • Try to deal with the same pharmacy so that it can keep track of all prescriptions.

You might ask ... • • • • • • • •

Do you have any written information about this medicine? What do the directions on the label mean? How much should I take, when should I take it and for how long? Are there any common side effects? What should I look out for? How long before it starts to work? Is it harmful to take this medicine with another medicine? Are there any food or other things I should avoid while I’m on this medicine? • Does this medicine replace any other ones that I am taking?

Personal Belongings Please do not bring valuables to the hospital including: large sums of money, credit cards, jewelry, or important papers. You are responsible for any items you bring to the hospital (such as glasses or hearing aids). We do not accept any responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen property. If you wear eye glasses, dentures, hearing aids, or other personal devices, make sure that you place them in their proper storage container and place them in your bedside table. Do not wrap items in Kleenex or paper towels or place them on your food tray or bed. They may be mistakenly thrown in the garbage.

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

Your personal health information must be kept private and secure. You and a person who can legally make decisions for you can see your personal health information. Your personal health information is shared among your doctors, nurses, residents, and all other team members who provide care and assistance to you.

We may collect, use and give out your personal health information to others, when necessary to: • Help make decisions about your care • Get payment for your health care and hospital services, including from private insurance • Do health planning and approved research • Report as required or permitted by law There are other circumstances where we may be required to give out some of your personal health information. If you have concerns about your privacy please contact the Privacy Officer at 902-527-5808 or privacy-ss@nshealth.ca.

Scent Policy Exposure to perfume and other scented products has become a major health problem for many, and may trigger asthma attacks, migraine headaches and severe allergic reactions. All staff, volunteers, patients and visitors are asked to not wear perfume, scented aftershave lotions, perfumed hair spray or other scented personal care products, or have scented flowers. These items may be removed from the facility and anyone wearing heavy scents may be asked to leave the hospital.

Security Our hospitals are busy public buildings. Please help us reduce “crimes of opportunity” such as theft and vandalism by reporting any suspicious activity to staff or security personnel.

www.southshorehealth.ca

PATIENT AND CLIENT SAFETY

Privacy

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Programs and Services Breastfeeding Support Network We promote, protect and support breastfeeding and respect the decision each mother makes about how to feed her baby. While breastfeeding is the healthiest option for babies, it can be challenging at first. There are resources available to support women who want to breastfeed their babies. Call 543-0856 Monday to Friday 8am-4 pm. For after-hours, weekend or holiday support, contact 902-527-5214.

Cancer Patient Navigation 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. This program is provided in partnership with Cancer Care Nova Scotia. Contact the Cancer Patient Navigator at 902-527-5820 or 1-866-524-1234.

Centre for Restorative Care The Dr. Arthur H. Patterson Centre for Restorative Care is a 12-bed unit located at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. Restorative care is intended to help clients get back their strength, endurance and mobility so they can return to a home environment after an illness or injury. Clients are selected for the centre based on defined admission criteria which includes their ability and willingness to participate in their own care.

Community Health Boards Two Community Health Boards help identify local health needs and develop community health plans designed to improve the overall health of the community.

Lunenburg County Community Health Board c/o Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital PO Box 1180, 14 High Street Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0 lcchb@ssdha.nshealth.ca (902) 634-7359

Queens County Community Health Board Box 1493 Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0 qcchb@sssdha.nshealth.ca

(902) 354-5508

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

Continuing Care serves people of all ages who need ongoing care, either on a long term or short term basis to remain as independent as possible in their community.

Continuing Care Programs and Services include: â&#x20AC;˘ Home Care (VON Nursing, Home Support, Respite, personal care, meal preparation, Palliative Care and light housekeeping) Home Oxygen Services, Caregiver Benefit Program, Medication Dispenser Assistive Technology Program, HELP-Bed Loan Program, Personal Alert Assistance Program, Self-Managed Care Program, Supportive Care Program, Specialized Equipment Program (Long Term Care), Respite Care at home or in Long Term Care., Long-Term Care (Respite, Nursing Home or Residential Care Facility), Adult Protection Services, Protection for Persons in Care, Aboriginal Continuing Care Anyone can make a referral by calling toll free 1-800-225-7225. This number operates daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week. Or visit www.gov.ns.ca/health/cc.

Equipment Loans South Shore residents can access a wide variety of medical equipment including wheelchairs, commodes, walkers, canes, tub seats, tub rails and toilet seat risers through the Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program. A recommendation/referral from a health professional is required. Equipment and recommendation forms are available from the Canadian Red Cross Service Center at 42 Glen Allan Drive, Suite 102 in Bridgewater between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday or by calling 902-543-8565. Donations to the program are welcomed.

Geriatric Services Geriatricians are available to help elderly patients that have decline in cognition, mood or behavioral changes, recent decrease in function, mobility issues, frequent falls, home safety concerns, complicated medical history with multiple medications, poor adherence to medication, and family/caregiver difficulties in caring for the patient. Referrals for Geriatric consultation must be made by a physician or nurse practitionerÂ Please contact your doctor or nurse practitioner about this service.

www.southshorehealth.ca

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Continuing Care (formerly called Home Care)

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Health Information and Referral System HealthLink 811 HealthLink811 offers 24-hour, seven day a week telephone-based care service. When you call 811, registered nurses will give you advice and information concerning all kinds of general health 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 that interest you is also available online at www.NSHealthLink811.ca.

211 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service for thousands of community and social services in Nova Scotia. Search for information on Financial and social assistance, Housing and utility help, Food assistance and meal programs, Seniors’ services and home care, Parenting and family programs, Government program assistance, Disability support services, Volunteer organizations, Newcomer services, Mental health support and more…… Just Dial 211.

Health Related Education Programs Our mandate includes health education. Opportunities for learning about health issues are provided to community members both within our health facilities and by staff in our community programs. Health care providers offer timely educationto clients and their families at the bedside or through clinics. Education kits, videos and brochures related to your condition may be available to help you understand your health issue and treatment and aid in your recovery. Visit Library Services at www.nshealth.ca There are a range of education programs including the Community Asthma Care Centre, Diabetes Education Centre, Prenatal classes, Healthy Heart Nutrition Clinic and Heart Function Clinic. Your Way to Wellness is a practical self-management course for adults living with a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, mental illness, fibromyalgia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The program teaches people with a chronic disease how to cope with their disease by eating healthier, managing symptoms, improving selfconfidence, and managing fear, anger and frustration. Call 634-1962 or tollfree 1-888-672-3444 for more information or to register for an upcoming session.

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

Being Well is a series of group educational sessions, which are offered regularly in Bridgewater, Liverpool and Chester. These sessions are free and no registration is required. Topics include: • • • • • • • •

Separation & Divorce for Parents Stress Management Managing Stress using the Freedom Technique Dealing with Loss Managing Depression Understanding Anxiety in Adults Deep Relaxation Problem-Solving Skills

Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres located at both South Shore Regional Hospital (902) 543-4604 Ext 2248 and Queens General Hospital (902) 354-3436 Ext 1246 provide Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Services. The Centres provide a variety of services related to swallowing difficulties, speech and language and hearing impairments and associated communication disorders including diagnostic and rehabilitative services. Adults and children do not need a referral, you can request service yourself by calling either site or visit our website www.nshsc.ns.ca

Laboratory Services We provide a full range of laboratory services to help prevent illness, identify disease, ensure proper treatment and aid recovery. Blood collection is done in hospitals free of charge and at community-based clinics for a fee. Water testing for bacteria is performed for a fee. For locations, hours of operation, fees and other information visit blood collection at www.nshealth.ca

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PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program is a free workshop for adults with chronic pain from headaches, neurological conditions, fibromyalgia, long-term back or neck pain, or past injuries. Get support, find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices. For more information call 634-7388.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Mental Health and Addiction This program works to: • Provide high-quality, client-centered care for addiction and mental health problems • Prevent and reduce harm from tobacco, alcohol, other drugs and gambling • Support and advocate for healthy public policy

Clinical services include: • Assessment • Group treatments • School-based services

• Individual counseling • Inpatient programs • Community-based care

Our confidential services are available close to where you work, live and go to school. For information about any of our programs, call 902-543-5400.

Emergency Addiction and Mental Health Services Addiction & mental health emergencies are like other health emergencies: if there is imminent risk someone will harm themselves or others, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department. There is also a provincial crisis line available 24 hours a day Call 1-888-429-8167.

Midwives Midwives provide care to healthy women during pregnancy, labour and birth and in the early weeks with their newborns as part of the publicly-funded health care system. They work closely with the obstetrics clinic, family physicians, nurse practitioners, obstetricians, nurses and other care providers. For more information, contact 902-527-5087.

Nutrition Education/Counseling Services Professional Dietitians are available to provide free Individual & Group Counselling without a referral for: • • • • • • •

Heart Healthy Eating Cholesterol Lowering Healthy Eating for all Ages Vegetarian Eating Prenatal Nutrition Osteoporosis Weight Management Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

• Bridgewater: 543-4604 ext 2364 • Liverpool: 354-3175 • Lunenburg: 634-8807 ext 3151

SERVICES REQUIRING REFERRAL: Free counselling is also available, with a Health Care Provider’s referral, (Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Physiotherapist, Pharmacist, etc) for a wide range of nutrition-related problems including: • • • • • • •

High blood pressure Heart disease Underweight or unintentional weight loss Cancer related nutritional problems Food allergies & sensitivities Eating disorders Digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome; reflux, Crohn’s • Nutrient deficiencies (iron, calcium, potassium, etc) Clinical Nutrition provides services to all age groups for both inpatient services and outpatients. If you or a family member requires the help of a Dietitian please contact us or your health care provider.

Obstetrics Clinic The Obstetrics Clinic provides care and education to mothers during their pregnancy and at the time of the birth. Usually your family doctor will refer you to the clinic when your pregnancy is confirmed. If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner you can refer yourself to the clinic. The clinic is located at South Shore Regional Hospital, 4th floor. Clinic hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. For more information call 902-527-1180.

Palliative Care Palliative care is supportive care that helps reduce the symptoms of a disease without actually curing it. This care assists the individual and their family in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of living and dying. Services include pain and symptom management, social, emotional and spiritual support, caregiver support, bereavement support, volunteer services, and resource materials. A referral by a health professional is required to access this service. For more information call 902-634-7369. www.southshorehealth.ca

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Make an appointment by contacting the dietitian at your local hospital

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Pre-Assessment Clinic Before your surgery, we may arrange for you to visit our preassessment clinic where you’ll 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 ensure you fully understand what to expect when you arrive at the hospital, and following your procedure such as intravenous therapy, catheters, drains, dressings, mobilization, and pain medication.

Public Health Services Public Health works with others to understand the health of our communities and acts together to improve health. Locally, our work is focused in the areas of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Healthy Development, and Healthy Communities. Work in these areas varies from providing services to individuals and families, to working with partners to take action on the social, economic, physical, and policy environments that impact the health of our communities.

Contact Us: If you have questions about any of these programs or initiatives, please contact Public Health Services at the office located closest to your community. Bridgewater....... 543-0850 New Germany.......644-2710 Chester............... 275-3581 Liverpool...............354-5737 Lunenburg ........ 634-4014 To request a copy of your immunization record, please contact us toll free at 1-844-515-0675 to Request the Immunization Record form. You can expect a response within five business days.

Rehabilitation Services Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Services include assessment and treatment of clients with physical and cognitive difficulties resulting from accident, illness, injury, disability or aging. They treat clients of all ages to reduce pain and improve their movement and function. They help promote their clients overall wellbeing and provide rehabilitation to improve and restore strength, mobility, movement and function. Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Services are available to inpatient and outpatient clients at each of our hospitals. Referrals may be made through a client’s family physician, specialist, care provider or client self referral. Contact Rehabilitation Services Reception at 902-527-2215.

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PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Community Based Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists will visit clients who are not able to come to the hospital and require consultation, assessment and recommendations for help with activities of daily living, equipment, and therapeutic home exercise programs.

Seniors’ Community Health Team The Seniors’ Community Health Team supports South Shore seniors living at home. A member of the team will come to your home, do a review, give 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 your other care providers. By promoting health and safety, the team supports healthy aging and independence. For more information call 902-634-7015.

TeleHealth TeleHealth allows patients and clients to see and talk with healthcare professionals at a distance. Telehealth facilities at each of our hospitals, the North Queens Community Health Centre, and the Dawson Centre, use video-conferencing equipment that includes a camera, microphone and a video monitor. Some of the benefits of using Telehealth are that you can receive care closer to home, you can have access to health services not found in your community and Telehealth makes it easy for other support people to be part of your appointment (i.e. family members, family doctor, teacher, homecare staff or social worker). Information from your appointment is confidential. Health care centres have policies in place to protect your privacy and the communication lines are private and secure. For more information visit: http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/telehealth/.

Veterans’ Unit The Veterans’ Unit located at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital serves Veterans as designated by Veterans’ Affairs Canada. For information about the unit and admission process, call 1-866-522-2122 for Veterans’ Affairs and ask for an area counselor.

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hospital information

Hospital Information Accommodations Each of our hospitals offer three types of rooms for patients: • Ward • Semi-private • Private

4 beds 2 beds 1 bed

Patients who are residents of Nova Scotia are covered for standard ward rooms only. Hospitals charge for private and semi-private accommodations and for other non-insured services. If you request a private or semi-private room you will be responsible for paying the daily rates, if not covered by your private health insurance plan. Please check with your insurance company about coverage Refer to the fees and payment brochure at the Admitting Department or Business Office for Preferred Accommodation rates.

Auxiliaries Auxiliaries work to improve the care and comfort of patients and enhance the programs and services offered. Members dedicate thousands of volunteer hours annually to raise funds for muchneeded equipment and also provide a number of valuable services such as the operation of Gift Shops at all facilities and the Daisy at South Shore Regional Hospital.

Daisy A wide variety of items including quality used clothing at reasonable prices, footwear, rags, books and household items are available from the Daisy, located next to South Shore Regional Hospital. Donations of saleable items are welcome and can be dropped off during business hours. There is a separate driveway, with a designated free parking area for Daisy customers. The Daisy is open 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Between April and November it is also open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thursdays.

Gallery (Shore Line Gallery) Shore Line Gallery at South Shore Regional Hospital features work by local artists. Display changes monthly. The gallery is operated by the South Shore Regional Hospital Auxiliary who receive a commission from sales. To purchase a painting, contact Volunteer Services at 902-543-2365 or switchboard at 902-543-4603.

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

Our hospital auxiliaries operate Gift Shops at each of our sites, which offer a wide variety of distinctive gift and convenience items including snacks, beverages and newspapers. Staffed by volunteers, profits from the gift shops support the auxiliariesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; efforts to improve the care and comfort of patients by the purchasing of much needed equipment.

Baby Friendly We support breastfeeding. Anywhere. Anytime. But if a mother wants a private space to feed her baby, there are a number of Baby Friendly Spaces throughout our facilities. Look for the Blue sign.

Bank/Change Machines For your convenience Bank and Change machines are located near the main lobby.

Bill Payment Before you leave the hospital, please arrange to pay your bill at the Business Office located on the main floor. The Business Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Patients are requested to pay bills during these hours. Please bring your current health card. Patients who are residents of Nova Scotia are covered for standard ward rooms only. Hospitals must charge for private and semi-private accommodations and for other non-insured services. If you have additional health insurance, staff in the Business Office will bill your insurance company. Patients are responsible for payment of fees associated with non-insured services.

Donations Donations to our hospitals through the Health Services Foundation and the Queens General Hospital Foundation are used to purchase much needed equipment and to support hospital programs. Your contribution will help our staff continue a long-standing tradition of quality care. All donations are tax deductible and official income tax receipts will be issued.

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hospital information

Gift Shops

hospital information

Health Services Foundation of the South Shore The Health Services Foundation of the South Shore promotes and supports South Shore Regional and Fishermen’s Memorial hospitals in the delivery of enhanced health care through fundraising and advocacy. Gifts can be designated to an area of your choice. To make a donation to the Health Services Foundation visit the Foundation Office at South Shore Regional or the Business Office at Fishermen’s Memorial, call 543-8065, or mail your donation to:

Health Services Foundation 90 Glen Allan Drive PO Box 492 Bridgewater, NS B4V 2X6

Queens General Hospital Foundation The Queens General Hospital Foundation fundraises to provide capital equipment for Queens General Hospital and other health care services in Queens County. Through its annual fundraising drive, memorial donations and bequests, the Foundation has helped maintain the hospital as a modern, up to date facility able to provide quality patient care to area residents. Donations may be made in person at Queens General Hospital or by mail to:

Queens General Hospital Foundation PO Box 528, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

Electrical Appliances For safety reasons, only CSA-approved electrical appliances may be used while in hospital. Please have our maintenance staff check and approve your personal electrical appliances (such as electric razors, blow dryers, fans, and medical devices such as CPAP machines and portable ventilators) before using them in hospital. Ask your caregiver to arrange for this important safety check. Electrical razors are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

Environmental Services Your room will be cleaned daily by a member of the Environmental Services team.

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There is a process in place to support individuals or groups facing an ethical dilemma. This can be arranged through the unit manager.

Flowers Scent free flowers and plants may be delivered to your bedside, except in the Intensive Care Unit. If you require a vase, please ask the staff. Always wash your hands after handling plants or flowers. Please keep in mind that some patients and staff may be allergic to flowers. Under our scent-free policy, flowers with strong scents will be removed from the facility. Poinsettias are NOT permitted within the hospital.

Food Services Cafeterias Our cafeterias provide a variety of meals and light snacks. Cafeterias at all three hospital sites close after lunch Monday to Friday and are closed on weekends and holidays.

Dial–For–Dining Dial for Dining is a patient meal order service which allows you to order from a menu with a variety of healthy food choices. Family members may also assist you with making your meal choices. • Step 1: You will receive a menu with a variety of healthy food choices that match your dietary needs. • Step 2: Choose from your Dial for Dining menu and dial 844 (South Shore Regional) or 444 (Queens General) from your bedside phone to place your order. • Step 3: Your meal is delivered within 40 minutes. Microwave ovens, refrigerators, and ice machines are available on most nursing units for use by patients and visitors.

Snacks/Vending Snacks and beverages are available from the Gift Shops located on the main floor at each site and from vending machines located in the lobby areas of South Shore Regional and Queens General Hospitals. At Fishermen’s Memorial, the vending machines are next to the cafeteria.

Special Diet Considerations If you follow a special diet or have food-related allergies or sensitivities, be sure to let us know when you arrive. A clinical dietitian may visit to discuss your www.southshorehealth.ca

hospital information

Ethics Consultation

hospital information

special needs. If your family wishes to bring food from home, please discuss this with your nurse before eating. Please do not leave perishable items at the bedside. Refrigerators are available on your unit. Label food items with the patient’s name, room number and date. Snacks are available upon request.

Hairdressing Services At South Shore Regional Hospital, volunteers will wash and set your hair at no cost. Ask your nurse or volunteer to arrange this service. You may also ask your own hairstylist or barber to come in and do your hair. You are responsible for booking and paying for this service. Services are also available to patients in the Alternate Level of Care Unit once a week. Patients are responsible for booking and paying for the appointment.

Health Records Your health record begins at the time of registration and documents the course of your care while in hospital. The information contained in your health record is privileged and confidential. Our policy related to the access and release of health information is designed to protect the confidentiality of your health information. You have the right to view or request a copy of your personal health information. There are fees associated with viewing or receiving a copy of your health record. Contact Health Records for more information.

Laundry All personal laundry must be taken home by family and friends.

Mail Mail and flowers sent to you at the hospital will be delivered to your room.

Mail should be addressed: Patient’s full name - Rm # Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital PO Box 1180 Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0 Patient’s full name - Rm # South Shore Regional Hospital 90 Glen Allan Drive Bridgewater, NS B4V 3S6

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hospital information

Patient’s full name - Rm # Queens General Hospital PO Box 370 Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

Newspapers Newspapers are available at the hospital Gift Shop and from vending machines located near the main entrances. Lighthouse Publishing provides free copies of the Bulletin and Progress Enterprise to patients at South Shore Regional and Fishermen’s Memorial Hospitals.

Parking There is a parking fee at each of the hospitals. You will be required to deposit the correct change as you exit the parking lot. Please ensure you have the correct change before leaving the hospital. For your convenience, change and banking machines are located near the main entrance. For shorter visits and easier access to the main entrance at South Shore Regional Hospital, meters are located on the main entrance ramp. Weekly and monthly passes for the parking lots are available for frequent visitors at reduced rates. Please inquire at the business office. Please do not block thoroughfares, which are to remain open for emergency vehicles and those wishing to pick up or drop off patients and visitors. If you are a patient in hospital for an extended stay, you are asked not to leave a vehicle in the lot. You may wish to arrange transportation with family and friends.

Patient Care Directives We respect our patients’ right to make informed decisions about their health care and treatment options. You are encouraged to discuss your wishes with your health care provider and your family. If you have an advanced directive, such as a living will, please bring it with you (these are the only important papers you should bring to the hospital). An advanced directive can be a “living will”, and/or a document appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf if necessary. This document must be signed by you, and witnessed by someone other than the person you have chosen to make decisions for you. Staff members are not permitted to act as witnesses. www.southshorehealth.ca

hospital information

More information about Personal Directives including sample forms called Making a Personal Directive, Information and Sample form are included in this package , or visit the Government website: www.gov.ns.ca/just/pda or call 1-800-670-4357.

Code Status During your admission or hospital stay, you may be asked to think about what types of life saving measures you want us to use if your breathing or heart stops while you are a patient. You are encouraged to discuss your wishes with your doctors and your next of kin and include this information in your Personal Directive.

Organ Donation If you are considering becoming an organ or tissue donor, or have already signed your organ donor card, you are encouraged to discuss your wishes with your family to ensure your wishes are granted. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to grant a loved ones’ wish to be an organ and tissue donor.

Patient Comments We care what you think about the care you receive. If you have questions, comments, concerns or compliments, please feel free to speak to any of your caregivers, or ask to speak to the Manager. We also ask you to take time to complete a Client Experience Survey to help us care better Ask your caregiver how you can participate or email us at wearelistening@nshealth.ca.

Patient / Client Complaints Sometimes the care you receive may not be up to your expectations. We welcome any comments about your care as they help us improve. Please ask to speak to the managers of the unit or department where you received care to discuss your concerns. Should you not receive a satisfactory response you may make a formal complaint by calling 902-527-5810 or toll free 1-855-881-7063. Your call will be returned within two business days and the next steps in our process for handling your complaint will be discussed. A pamphlet called “The Patient’s Guide to the Complaint Process” is available to assist you with the process.

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

Volunteer Services operates a Pet Therapy Program within the hospitals. Pet Therapy Volunteers and their dogs regularly visit patients and staff. All volunteers and their dogs have been certified by the St. John Ambulance Pet Therapy Program. These volunteers wear grey St. John Ambulance Pet Therapy shirts and their dogs have photo Identification Tags. If you are interested in being part of our Pet Therapy Program please contact Volunteer Services at 1-902-543-2365.

Physician Visits Hospital physicians usually visit patients in the morning, but may visit later in the day as well. If a family member wishes to see a physician regarding a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition, a meeting can be arranged through the nursing department or you can phone the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office directly for information or an appointment. To co-ordinate communication to all family members, we request that one person be appointed spokesperson.

Quiet Rooms and Solariums Quiet Rooms and solariums are available for families and friends to use when needed.

Room Temperature If you find your room too warm or too cold, please tell your health care provider. We will try to adjust the temperature so you are more comfortable.

Smoking To provide a healthy environment for everyone who works or visits our facilities, no smoking is allowed in our buildings or on our grounds. Ask your health care provider for details about the supportive programs available to you to help you stop smoking. We appreciate your cooperation and consideration of others.

Spiritual Care Spiritual care in the form of prayer, encouragement and a listening ear may be provided to patients, their families and members of the staff by clergy and lay visitors from Lunenburg and Queens Counties. If you would like to receive a visit, please inform the nursing staff. There are chapels/quiet rooms in each of our facilities, which are open 24 hours a day for use by patients, families, staff, and visitors. A service, led www.southshorehealth.ca

hospital information

Pet Therapy

hospital information

by local clergy, is held in the Veterans’ Unit at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital each Tuesday at 11am.

Telephones Cell phones Cellular phones and other wireless devices may be used in some areas of the hospital. Please look for signage before using your device. For the safety of patients, please turn off your cellular phones when you are not in a wireless friendly area.

Incoming calls Patients who have bedside service may receive incoming calls.

Patient telephones During your stay, the telephone can help you stay in touch with your family and friends. Bedside service is available on every unit except Inpatient Mental Health, Addiction Services and the Intensive Care Unit. There is a fee for this service. In addition to a connection fee, you will be charged a daily rate and will also be billed for all long distance calls. To request service: South Shore Regional Hospital Dial 899 from your bedside telephone between 8:30 am and 4:45 pm and a representative will arrange to have your service connected within 24 hours (excluding holidays). Queens General Hospital & Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital Dial 499 from your bedside telephone between 8:30 am and 4:45 pm and a representative will arrange to have your service connected within 24 hours (excluding holidays). Dialing instructions: To place a local call: Dial 7, wait for dial tone, then Dial all seven digits of the local number

To place a long distance call: Dial 7, wait for dial tone, then Dial 0 + Area Code + Number An operator will request billing information Calls must be billed collect, to a third number or to a long distance calling card

Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations

hospital information

To call directory assistance Dial 7, wait for dial tone then Dial 411 Hospital operator Dial 0

Public Telephones Public telephones are located in each hospital.

Televisions Television rental is available to patients in most of our inpatient units. To order service (or transfer your service if you change rooms) please dial 1-866-223-3686 from your patient telephone. Payment can be made by Visa or MasterCard. The Call Centre is open 9:30 am to 9pm, Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 2 pm to 6 pm, excluding statutory holidays.

Visiting Hours Families and other partners in care are welcome 24 hours a day according to patient preference. Consistent with delivering patient-centered care, staff and clinicians encourage families and other partners in care to be involved and supportive of the patient. We recognize that families are integral to patient safety, comfort, medical and psychological well-being and to the healing process. The number of people welcomed at the bedside at any one time will be determined in discussion with the patient and family. In situations where there are shared rooms, this negotiation will include the other patient, her or his family, and other partners in care. Visitors may be required to leave the room if the patient requires care. If you want extra privacy or find the number of visitors tiring, please let us know. We will put a sign on your door asking visitors to check with nurse or limiting visitors to family only. Special arrangements may be discussed with the nursing staff. To protect your health and that of other patients, we ask that any family or friends who are sick with colds, flu, a runny nose, fever, diarrhea, new rash or any other potentially communicable illness, not visit the hospital.

Special Circumstances: Intensive Care Unit (South Shore Regional) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Immediate family only. Visits limited to 10 minutes. Special circumstances are considered. Please check at the nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s station. www.southshorehealth.ca

hospital information

Volunteer Services Hundreds of volunteers give generously of their time and talents to improve quality of care and to assist the staff and patients. You will recognize our hospital volunteers by their distinctive “Red” jackets or aprons. To become part of our volunteer team or to learn more about our programs please contact Volunteer Services at 1-902-543-2365.

Wireless Internet Connection We are pleased to provide free wireless internet connection for our South Shore Regional Hospital patients and visitors. On your wireless device, simply select the SSR_Public_WiFi SSID. You must accept the disclaimer before you will be allowed access.

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We are extremely grateful to all advertisers for helping to make this directory possible. Please note, an advertisement in this directory does not imply an endorsement by Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Emergency Response Northwood Intouch...................................................................... 36

Home Health Care Services Care Choices Inc............................................................................. 36

Pharmacies Bridgewater Pharmasave.............................................................. 36 Kinley Drug Company Ltd............................................................. 35

Special Care Home Harbour View Haven..................................................................... 36

Retirement Harbour View Haven..................................................................... 36

FOR TOTAL HEALTH CARE

Kinley Drug Company Ltd. Independently owned neighbourhood Drug Store

• Specializing in “Dispill” (TM) a unique medication packaging system • “E-Fill” on line prescription refill • Senior Discount Days • Professional patient focused services • Full Home Health Care Dept. offering a free in hospital fitting and equipment delivery • Sales & Rentals (hospital beds, patient lifts, wheelchairs, walkers, bath lifts, ect.) • Fitting service for Lumbo Sacral Supports, Mastectomy Prosthesis, Custom Orthotics, Surgical Compression Stockings • Footcare service provided by licensed practical Nurse in Clinic, Home and Hospital

902-634-4437

Fax: 902-634-3070 E-mail: kinley@bellaliant.com 264 Lincoln St., Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

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community supporters

Community Supporters

community supporters

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE • Free in-town delivery service (on prescriptions and home health care products) • Foot-care services in home and in store • Wide range of mobility products including lift chairs, scooters and power chairs, rollators and wheelchairs - PLUS we service most of these ourselves • Home health care rentals • Seniors’ Day Discount (2nd Tuesday every month) • Collect Air Miles on your purchases

Inc.

Personalized Home Care Services Free Home Assessment

Straight from the Heart

• • • •

Bonded Professional Staff Tiered levels of care Up to 24 hour coverage Dedicated to serving your needs

902-527-1622 1-877-683-7451

103–129 Aberdeen Road, Bridgewater, NS, B4V 2S7

www.carechoicesinc.com

carechoicesinc@eastlink.ca

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What I Need to Know Before I Go Home Ward or unit where I was treated:_________________________________________________________ Doctors who treated me:________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Health problem I was treated for:_________________________________________________________ Medical treatment I received:____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Instructions for my care at home:_________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What should I eat and drink?_____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What should I avoid eating and drinking? ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What activities can I do?________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What activities should I avoid?___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ When can I go back to work or resume normal activities?_______________________________________ Name of medicine I am taking:___________________________________________________________ How to take the medicine:______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Follow-up appointments: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Phone numbers to call if I have questions or problems: _______________________________________

________________________________________

_______________________________________

________________________________________

Other important information:____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

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Notes:

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