Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Site Patient Services Directory

Middlesex Hospital Alliance

Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Site

Patient Ser vices Director y Services Directory

395 Carrie Street, Strathroy, Ont. N7G 3J4

T: (519) 245-1550 Visit us at www .mhalliance.on.ca www.mhalliance.on.ca PLEASE LEA VE THIS BINDER A T YOUR BEDSIDE LEAVE AT FOR THE USE OF FUTURE P ATIENTS. PA

“Welcome�

Welcome to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital.

This Patient Services Directory has been prepared to provide you with helpful information and phone numbers for our programs and services.

We recognize that few people look forward to a stay in the hospital. Our goal is to make your time with us as comfortable as possible. We believe in working in partnership with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate care and treatment. We trust that you will find our staff to be compassionate and understanding of all your healthcare needs.

If at any time you have questions about the hospital or the care your are receiving, we encourage you to speak to the hospital staff or your doctor.

I sincerely hope that you have a speedy recovery and your experience at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital meets all your expectations.

Michael A. Mazza CEO, Middlesex Hospital Alliance

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Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital MISSION ST ATEMENT STA We provide comprehensive family centred patient care in a rural and community-focused health service setting in collaboration and integration with our healthcare partners.

VISION ST ATEMENT STA The Middlesex Hospital Alliance will be an organization of excellence through its delivery of care in a collaborative and integrated network that addresses the health care needs of our diverse community and the ongoing investments in our people and technology.

GOALS • To create a culture committed to patient safety • To deliver patient centred care that meets the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the patients and families we serve.

• To deliver patient centred care using evidence based practice with available resources.

• To acquire and utilize new and existing resources responsibly to ensure financial longevity.

• To be a "magnet" organization to attract and retain caring professionals and employees.

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VAL UES ST ATEMENTS ALUES STA We believe: • That all human life is sacred and each person will be treated with dignity and compassion.

• That the primary responsibility for health and well-being rests with each person.

• That professional and personal care must address all aspects of the patient's health.

• That the family and larger community play an important role in people's health.

• That our working environment must recognize the contribution of each staff (hospital/medical) member and volunteer and encourage professional and personal growth.

• That partnerships and effective communication within and outside our organization can demonstrate mutual respect and instill public trust.

• That all our resources will be wisely managed.

Privacy P olicy Policy Middlesex Hospital Alliance is committed to keeping your personal and health information safe and confidential. Your privacy is very important to us. To provide you with quality health care, we collect personal and health information from you. Your name, date of birth, address, health card number, and extended health insurance numbers are examples of personal information.

Your health history, the records of your visits to the hospital, and what health care we provide to you during those visits are examples of your health information.

If you have questions or concerns, contact the Privacy Officer at extension 4175.

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Our Histor y History

T

he hospital was officially opened with 20 beds, and the first patients were admitted February 14th, 1914. There was a staff of five, plus three student nurses, and the room rate was $1.50 per day. At the time, the hospital was municipally owned.

Strathroy General Hospital operated a School of Nursing from 1916 to 1946 with 111 nurses graduating during that time. A school for Registered Nursing Assistants was conducted from 1962 to 1977 with 311 R.N.A.s graduating.

In May 1959, after a great deal of careful planning and a successful fund raising campaign, the present hospital was built. It opened June 23, 1962 as a two-story structure with 82 beds.

In 1966, the Town of Strathroy relinquished ownership of the hospital and we became a community hospital to ensure that representation on the Board of Governors reflected the various communities served by the hospital. The name was changed to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital at that time.

In 1975 two more floors were added, increasing our rated bed capacity to 154, and included new services such as ICU/CCU, Middlesex Unit (Chronic Care & rehabilitation) and Public Health within the hospital.

Due to provincial restrictions the hospital was only allowed to open 116 beds. Numerous changes to the hospital’s programs and services have taken place since the last hospital expansion in 1975.

The hospital currently has a bed capacity of 80 and offers a wide range of outpatient services to the patients of its catchment area.

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Frequently Called Numbers Main Hospital Telephone Number ....... (519) 245-1550 Automated Attendant............................ (519) 245-5295 Community Care Access Centre ....................... (519) 245- 3233 (Home Care) Finance Office ....................................... (519) 245-5295 x 5500 Foundation ............................................ (519) 245-5295 x 5020 Information/Switchboard .................................................... “0” Lost and Found ..................................... (519) 245-5295 x 5847 (Patient Registration/Switchboard) Spiritual Care ................................. Dial “0” and ask Operator (Chaplaincy) to contact chaplain Television Rentals .................................. (519) 245-5295 x 5090

There is no charge for the telephone or for local calls.

For local calls DIAL 9 - NUMBER. For long distance calls to be completed, Dial “9” then “0” following the prompts.

You should call collect, use a calling card or use the pay phones.

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Table of Contents Welcome ............................................................................................................ 2 Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Mission and Values ..................... 3-4 Privacy Policy .................................................................................................. 4 Patient Rights & Responsibilities ................................................................... 5 Our History ...................................................................................................... 6 Frequently Called Numbers ........................................................................... 7

Hospital Services

Preferred Accommodation.............................................................................. 9 Auxiliary ......................................................................................................... 10 Complaints ...................................................................................................... 10 Discharge Information and Planning .......................................................... 10 Electrical Equipment .................................................................................... 11 Fire Alarms and Exits ................................................................................... 11 Food Services .................................................................................................. 11 Hair Shop........................................................................................................ 12 Housekeeping/Maintenance .......................................................................... 13 Important Reminder ..................................................................................... 13 Interpreter Services ....................................................................................... 13 Lost & Found .................................................................................................. 13 Mail ................................................................................................................. 13 Meals ..................................................................................... See Food Services Newspapers .................................................................................................... 14 Palliative Care ................................................................................................ 14 Parking............................................................................................................ 14 Patient Accounts ............................................................................................ 14 Scent Free Policy ........................................................................................... 14 Smoking .......................................................................................................... 14 Spiritual Care ................................................................................................. 15 Telephone ........................................................................................................ 15 Television ........................................................................................................ 15 Valuables ......................................................................................................... 16 Visiting Hours ................................................................................................ 16 Volunteers ....................................................................................................... 16 Washrooms ...................................................................................................... 16 What to Bring to the Hospital ...................................................................... 17

Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation ..................... 18 PLEASE NOTE: We are constantly changing to meet your needs.

Information presented in this directory may be subject to change.

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Hospital Ser vices Services Preferred Accommodation Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital has private, semiprivate and ward rooms. Every effort is made to meet your room choice. Unfortunately, we will not know until the day of admission what type of rooms will be available. Occasionally we are not able to provide patients with their requested room preference because of medical requirements. We ask for your understanding and thank you for your cooperation.

Financial Responsibility For preferred accommodation: There is a charge for semiprivate rooms ($220.00 per day*) and private rooms ($190.00 per day*) beyond what the provincial government will cover.

The hospital does not charge you for the last day of your stay but you will be charged for the first day in a semi-private or private room. In order to obtain a private or semi-private room, you must provide the hospital an insurance certificate of coverage on or prior to admission. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company to confirm your specific coverage before coming to the hospital. If your insurance company does not pay your outstanding account in full, you are responsible to pay the difference.

Patients without private or semi-private insurance coverage requesting and receiving preferred accommodation are requested upon discharge to pay by credit card, debit card, cheque or cash.

A private room includes one bed, washroom and a private telephone line. A semi-private includes two beds separated by curtains, a washroom and a telephone at each bedside. A ward room includes three or four beds, separated by curtains, a washroom and a telephone at each bedside. There is no differential room rate for a ward room. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care covers the full cost of a ward room. *Amounts quoted are for 2005 and are subject to change without notice. We try to place you in the type of room you request. Sometimes, your choice of room will not be available when you are admitted. You will be moved as soon as one is

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free. If you decide that you need to downgrade your accommodations, or you have any questions about room charges, please notify your nurse, Admitting or Patient Accounts, as soon as possible.

Auxiliary The SMGH Auxiliary was founded in 1914 when the hospital opened. At that time members donated fruit, vegetables, preserves and eggs to the kitchen. The big event each year was the July 1st “Tea” the auxiliary hosted on the front lawn of the hospital.

The Auxiliary membership has grown to over 80 members.

The auxiliary raises money by operating the Gift Shop, an annual Tag Day in May, Bake Sales at Easter and Thanksgiving, selling HELPP tickets, Tutia fashion days, Tonnie Tubs and Raffles.

Complaints The Chief Operating Officer works cooperatively with your healthcare team in an effort to enhance your hospital stay and to resolve any problems that may occur while you are in the hospital.

To promote effective communication during your stay, we suggest issues be addressed directly with the people involved in your care. If there are certain matters, which you feel require further attention, please contact the Chief Operating Officer. This can be done by contacting Switchboard “0”.

Discharge Information and Planning A family member or friend should take you home after a hospital stay. Discharge time is 11:00 a.m. It is imperative that you anticipate and receive information regarding your discharge (ie after care instructions, prescriptions, medications, diet and follow up appointments) prior to this time. This is necessary to accommodate the admission of other patients requiring acute care and to pre-determine the staffing requirements of the nursing unit.

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You may require care after your discharge from hospital. The hospital staff will help you decide on the available services that will best meet your needs.

The Discharge Planning Team will provide information about alternative living options and will facilitate the most appropriate placement when returning home is not an option.

Electrical Equipment For safety reasons, all electrical devices brought into the Hospital must be approved and labeled by our Environmental Services staff before they can be used in your room. To arrange to have your electrical appliances checked, speak to your communication clerk or Healthcare provider.

Fire Alarms and Exits Fire exits are clearly marked throughout the building.

During a fire alarm, all elevators automatically close until an ALL CLEAR announcement on the speaker system. During a fire alarm remain in your area and do not move through the Hospital unless directed by staff or by Fire Department personnel. You may hear one of our regular fire drills during your hospital stay.

Food Services Offices of Food Services are located in the basement in the hallway beside the visitor elevators.

Inpatient Meal Service Our delicious soups, casseroles, entrees and side salads are all made in our kitchen and have a home-cooked flavour and freshness as a result.

We use a one-week menu. Instead of menus, we have each patient fill in a Preference Card when admitted. This goes to Food Services and helps us offer the patients meals they will enjoy and that meet the portion size they have requested, beverages they desire and avoids meat and milk product dislikes.

Hours of Meal Service to Inpatients Breakfast 7:45 am – 8:30 am Lunch 11:30 am – 12:15 pm Supper 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm

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Visitors can order supper from Food Services since the Cafeteria is closed at supper. They need to order and pay for their tray at the Food Supervisor’s Office before 2:30 p.m.

Their tray is delivered to their room with the patient’s tray.

The family member can go to the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch weekdays and for lunch weekends.

Cafeteria Hours of Service Weekdays and Statutory Holidays 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Weekends 11:30 am – 1:00 pm The cafeteria is located in the basement. Take the visitor elevators to the basement, go around the corner at the elevators and the cafeteria is at the end of the hall.

Vending Machines Pop, fruit drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks are in vending machines in the cafeteria as well as the first floor.

Change Machine A change machine is located on the first floor by the vending machine.

Clinical Nutrition Services A Registered Dietitian provides nutritional assessments, monitoring and education when needed. If the patient or family has questions concerning the diet and would like to speak with the dietitian, ask the nursing staff to assist you.

Registered dietitians provide inpatient and outpatient diabetes counseling through the Diabetes Education Centre.

Hair Shop The Hair Shop is located on the Fourth Floor. It is open for business on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at no set times; depending on how many clients are prearranged on those days. Patients or family members are asked to inform the nursing staff and/or communication clerk of their desire for an appointment, and at that time the communication clerk will set up a scheduled time with the hairdresser.

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Housekeeping/Maintenance Housekeeping Housekeeping staff is on duty seven days a week. They keep your room, bathroom and all the areas of the hospital clean and in good order.

Maintenance The Maintenance Staff team have the important job of keeping the Hospital safe and making your stay as comfortable and as pleasant as possible.

Important Reminder Keep windows closed in warm weather to allow the Tempered Air System to operate efficiently. Those who insist on keeping their window open are requested to keep their door closed.

Interpreter Services Patients or family members who need an interpreter to help them communicate with caregivers should ask the staff for help. Many of our staff speak different languages and they will be pleased to assist you.

You may also wish to have a family member or friend present when the doctor visits, to help with communications.

Lost & FFound ound If you have found an article or lost a possession, please notify Patient Registration or the Communication Clerk on the patient care unit.

Mail Ask your friends and relatives to send items clearly marked with your full name and room number to: Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital 395 Carrie Street Strathroy, Ontario N7G 3J4

Meals – see FFood ood Services

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Newspapers Daily newspapers are available using a coin-operated machine located outside of hospital situated by the main entrance, as well as the emergency entrance.

Palliative Care Palliative Care provides care to meet the diverse physical, psychological, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Families/significant others are welcome to stay with their loved one. Cots and chairs are available for their use.

Parking There is a parking lot available outside the main entrance.

There is no charge for parking.

Patient Accounts Patient Accounts is located on the first floor. You may pay your account upon discharge using cheque, cash, debit card or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and holidays. Payment boxes available in Patient Registration 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Emergency 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Scent FFree ree P olicy Policy The hospital supports the creation of a fragrance free environment in order to protect those staff and patients who have sensitivities to chemicals. Please do not use perfumes, cologne, scented body sprays, lotions, powders, scented hairsprays, gels, mousse and other scented hair conditioners and shampoos, aftershave, richly scented deodorants/ antiperspirants while in the hospital. Family and visitors are also asked not to use these products prior to visiting.

Smoking The Middlesex Hospital Alliance, including the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital site, is pleased to offer all patients, staff and visitors a SMOKE FREE environment.

(County of Middlesex ByLaw #5862)

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Smoking will NOT be permitted in any patient rooms, washrooms or anywhere else inside the building.

Smoking is permitted outside the building but only at a distance of 9 meters (27 feet) from any entranceway into the building.

Please place cigarette butts in the designated containers.

Your compliance with this policy is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact anyone on staff.

Spiritual Care Spiritual Care is available to address your spiritual, religious and emotional needs. An on-call chaplain is available 24 hours a day. Your nurse will contact them at your request.

Worship services are held Tuesdays at 11 a.m. on Middlesex Unit.

A small Chapel, for prayer and solitude, is available on the first floor in the main corridor.

Telephone There is no charge for the telephone or for local calls For local calls DIAL 9 – NUMBER For long distance calls to be completed, you should call collect, use a calling card, a pre-paid long distance calling card, or use the pay phones. All incoming calls will go to an automated attendant. Patients will only be allowed calls between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Please do not bring: Cellular phones or walkie-talkies.

(These devices may interfere with our medical equipment).

Television A television can be rented by dialing ext. 5090 and leaving a message with your name and room number. The Television service will then deliver the television to the patient’s room with an invoice included. Please ensure that you leave payment with the Communication Clerk or nursing staff before being discharged.

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Valuables Please do not leave valuables such as jewelry, credit cards and large sums of money in your room. Send your valuables home, or ask to have them locked up. Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital cannot be responsible for any personal items that may go missing.

Visiting Hours Visiting hours for patient units are from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

No more than two visitors at one time.

Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Please do not visit if you have a cold, the flu, or have been in contact with a communicable disease.

Please use handwashing stations located at the main access points of the hospital. *Exceptions to the above visiting hours are at the discretion of nursing staff.

Volunteers Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital is fortunate to have a large number of caring and dedicated volunteers to help make your hospital experience more pleasant for you and your family.

Our volunteers offer a wide variety of services: portering, providing direction at the Information Desk and providing ice water/snacks to patients, to name a few.

SMGH volunteers can be easily identified by the badges that they wear.

Information Desk – Located in the Front Lobby of the hospital. The friendly volunteers are a wealth of knowledge for both visitors and patients alike.

Washrooms Public washrooms are conveniently located throughout the hospital, with 2 locations on the Main Floor.

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What to Bring to the Hospital For your personal care bring: • Bring canes, walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids, dentures, eyeglasses, or any other aid you use. Please label with your name.

• Dressing gowns, slippers • You are responsible for supplying your own toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, tissues, deodorant, shaving kit, comb and brush) • Containers for items such as dentures, eyeglasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.

• Electric razors and hair appliances, such as blow dryers.

(Check with your nurse before using any electrical items).

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Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital

Foundation Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the hospital and the donors it serves. All funds donated to the Foundation are used to support the development of Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital and its’ delivery of quality health care to the people of this community.

SMGH Foundation was incorporated as a registered charity in 1989 with the objective to manage, receive and encourage donations that support the needs of the hospital. The Foundation conducts a full complement of philanthropic programs, including an annual campaign, memorial gifts, special events, capital campaigns and planned giving.

Contributions to the Foundation are important not just to SMGH, but to everyone we serve, every day! Just as past gifts have made possible the purchase of modern, up-to-date patient care equipment, so will your support touch the lives of patients and their families – now and in the future.

We welcome your questions about special projects, endowments, memorials, capital needs, and other opportunities for support. For more information, please contact the SMGH Foundation office @ (519) 245-5295, ext. 5020 or visit our website at www.smghfoundation.on.ca.

We can also be reached at the address below:

SMGH FFoundation oundation 395 Carrie Street Strathroy Strathroy,, Ontario N7G 3J4 Gifts are tax deductible and will help us do even more for patient care at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital. Donations made by cheque can be made payable to SMGH Foundation. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are also accepted.

The SMGH Foundation charitable registration number is 13297-4270-RRR0001.

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