Patient Services Directory - General Information
| Welcome from South West Health | − |
South West Health provides health services and programs to more than 62,000 residents in Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties. Three hospitals and three community based programs are administered by the district: Roseway Hospital, Digby General Hospital and Yarmouth Regional Hospital as well as Public Health, Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Our staff, physicians and volunteers work hard to provide excellent care. We work to promote health in our communities and to improve quality of life. Our goal is to meet your physical, emotional and spiritual needs within a caring and supportive environment. Many of our staff can speak French to assist our Acadian population.
Thanks to support from our communities, we are able to provide you with this handbook. We hope it is helpful, please ask staff if you have questions not covered in this handbook.
Your comments are important to us, so please take the time to fill out a comment card. They are located throughout each of our hospitals. Ask a staff member if you cannot find one.
Sincerely,
Blaise MacNeil Gerald Pottier
Chief Executive Officer Board Chair
Our staff, physicians and volunteers work hard to provide excellent care. We work to promote health in our communities and to improve quality of life. Our goal is to meet your physical, emotional and spiritual needs within a caring and supportive environment. Many of our staff can speak French to assist our Acadian population.
Thanks to support from our communities, we are able to provide you with this handbook. We hope it is helpful, please ask staff if you have questions not covered in this handbook.
Your comments are important to us, so please take the time to fill out a comment card. They are located throughout each of our hospitals. Ask a staff member if you cannot find one.
Sincerely,
Blaise MacNeil Gerald Pottier
Chief Executive Officer Board Chair
| Patient Rights and Responsibilities | − |
Our staff works hard to give you the best possible care.
You have the right to…
● Quality care given by skilled staff in a hospital that follows safety standards.
● Ask for information about your health care.
● Know the names, jobs, titles and duties of your health care team.
● Be involved in your hospital discharge plan.
● As much privacy as we can provide.
● Privacy of your health information.
● Agree to or refuse any procedure or treatment.
● Leave the hospital against the advice of your health care team.
● Know the outcomes of any of these decisions.
● Have someone make decisions on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself.
● Agree to or refuse involvement in any teaching or research program. Your choice will not affect the quality of care you receive.
● Details of any hospital charges not covered by a provincial health care plan.
You are responsible …
● To work with your health care team and to follow the safety rules of the hospital.
● For treating all staff and other patients with respect and consideration.
● For understanding the limits placed on privacy due to our facilities. Please respect the privacy of other patients.
● For your health care decisions.
● For choosing someone to act on your behalf should the need arise.
● For paying your hospital bill.
Your rights are important to us. If you have any questions or feel you have been denied any of these rights, you should talk to your caregivers, or someone you trust that will act on your behalf to help you with your concerns.
You have the right to…
● Quality care given by skilled staff in a hospital that follows safety standards.
● Ask for information about your health care.
● Know the names, jobs, titles and duties of your health care team.
● Be involved in your hospital discharge plan.
● As much privacy as we can provide.
● Privacy of your health information.
● Agree to or refuse any procedure or treatment.
● Leave the hospital against the advice of your health care team.
● Know the outcomes of any of these decisions.
● Have someone make decisions on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself.
● Agree to or refuse involvement in any teaching or research program. Your choice will not affect the quality of care you receive.
● Details of any hospital charges not covered by a provincial health care plan.
You are responsible …
● To work with your health care team and to follow the safety rules of the hospital.
● For treating all staff and other patients with respect and consideration.
● For understanding the limits placed on privacy due to our facilities. Please respect the privacy of other patients.
● For your health care decisions.
● For choosing someone to act on your behalf should the need arise.
● For paying your hospital bill.
Your rights are important to us. If you have any questions or feel you have been denied any of these rights, you should talk to your caregivers, or someone you trust that will act on your behalf to help you with your concerns.
| The Health Care Team | − |
While you are in hospital, many people work together to help you.
The attending physician is the doctor in charge of your care. Sometimes they may ask other doctors to see you.
The Nursing Staff:
1. A Nurse Manager is responsible for the overall management of the unit you are on.
2. Registered Nurses (RNs) are responsible for organizing and providing your care.
3. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are also responsible for your care and report to a Registered Nurse.
4. Personal Care Workers (PCWs) are responsible for basic care and report to a Registered Nurse or an LPN.
5. Student Nurses may help you; they are supervised by nursing instructors from their school or their preceptor.
6. The Ward Clerk works mainly at the Nurses Desk and answers telephone calls, greets visitors and keeps your chart updated.
Other important health care staff may help you, such as:
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists help you return to normal activities when you are injured, have a disease or special needs. These services can be asked for directly or through referrals from your family doctor or specialist.
Respiratory therapists specialize in lung illnesses. Doctors will ask these staff to do breathing tests, asthma and COPD treatment, oxygen therapy, CPR and life-support.
The EKG technician can monitor your heart to help the doctor diagnose your condition.
Lab and X-ray staff will do the tests the doctor orders. These tests will help the doctor determine your health problems and monitor your progress.
The Dietitian and Food & Nutrition Services staff carefully planned our menu according to Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and created recipes which are tasty and meet special diet needs. They can answer questions about your nutrition needs.
The Speech /Language Pathologist helps people who have trouble with speech, voice, language or swallowing problems.
Pharmacists give out medications to hospital patients based on doctor’s orders. If you have questions about your medications, ask to speak to a pharmacist.
The attending physician is the doctor in charge of your care. Sometimes they may ask other doctors to see you.
The Nursing Staff:
1. A Nurse Manager is responsible for the overall management of the unit you are on.
2. Registered Nurses (RNs) are responsible for organizing and providing your care.
3. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are also responsible for your care and report to a Registered Nurse.
4. Personal Care Workers (PCWs) are responsible for basic care and report to a Registered Nurse or an LPN.
5. Student Nurses may help you; they are supervised by nursing instructors from their school or their preceptor.
6. The Ward Clerk works mainly at the Nurses Desk and answers telephone calls, greets visitors and keeps your chart updated.
Other important health care staff may help you, such as:
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists help you return to normal activities when you are injured, have a disease or special needs. These services can be asked for directly or through referrals from your family doctor or specialist.
Respiratory therapists specialize in lung illnesses. Doctors will ask these staff to do breathing tests, asthma and COPD treatment, oxygen therapy, CPR and life-support.
The EKG technician can monitor your heart to help the doctor diagnose your condition.
Lab and X-ray staff will do the tests the doctor orders. These tests will help the doctor determine your health problems and monitor your progress.
The Dietitian and Food & Nutrition Services staff carefully planned our menu according to Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and created recipes which are tasty and meet special diet needs. They can answer questions about your nutrition needs.
The Speech /Language Pathologist helps people who have trouble with speech, voice, language or swallowing problems.
Pharmacists give out medications to hospital patients based on doctor’s orders. If you have questions about your medications, ask to speak to a pharmacist.
| Addiction Services | − |
Addiction services staff help people with addictions such as tobacco, alcohol, drug and gambling.
If you or someone you know needs help or has questions contact:
Yarmouth...................... 742-2406 or 742-3541 ext. 1328
Digby ........................... 245-5888
Church Point................. 769-3419
Barrington..................... 637-1432
Shelburne..................... 875-3906 or 875-8645
If you or someone you know needs help or has questions contact:
Yarmouth...................... 742-2406 or 742-3541 ext. 1328
Digby ........................... 245-5888
Church Point................. 769-3419
Barrington..................... 637-1432
Shelburne..................... 875-3906 or 875-8645
| Ambulance Rates | − |
Emergency Health Services will bill you for some ambulance trips. Please
contact Emergency Health Services for rates and more information.
| Bank / Coin Machines | − |
A bank machine (ATM) and coin machine is located in the lobby.
| Business Office | − |
The Business Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can pay hospital bills and buy parking passes during these hours.
| Bringing Food From Home | − |
Fresh food brought to you must be stored in the fridge. Make sure it is labeled with your name, room number and date. Always check with a nurse before eating this food if you are on a special diet or fasting for tests.
| Consent | − |
If you need certain types of procedures, you will be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure. Please read this form carefully and ask your doctor if you do not understand the nature and risks of the procedure.
You will also be asked to sign a consent form before release of any information about your general condition or your image (photo or video) for legal, promotional or educational purposes. Forms also have to be signed for release of responsibility for smoking passes and for leaving against medical care.
You will also be asked to sign a consent form before release of any information about your general condition or your image (photo or video) for legal, promotional or educational purposes. Forms also have to be signed for release of responsibility for smoking passes and for leaving against medical care.
| Continuing Care (Formerly Home Care) | − |
Continuing Care provides access to:
● Home care services such as home support services, nursing and oxygen service.
● Long term care placement (such as nursing home or residential care facility.
● Adult protection services for vulnerable adults.
Anyone can make a referral simply by calling toll free 1-800-225-7225. This number operates every day, including weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call Continuing Care at 1-800-225-7225.
● Home care services such as home support services, nursing and oxygen service.
● Long term care placement (such as nursing home or residential care facility.
● Adult protection services for vulnerable adults.
Anyone can make a referral simply by calling toll free 1-800-225-7225. This number operates every day, including weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call Continuing Care at 1-800-225-7225.
| Electrical Appliances | − |
For safety reasons, only CSA-approved electrical appliances may be used while in hospital. Our maintenance staff will check and approve your personal electrical appliances. This includes electric razors, blow dryer, heating pads, fans, and medical devices including CPAP machines and portable ventilators .
| Ethics Support | − |
The district ethics committee is available, on request, to help staff, patients
and families explore options for their difficult ethical questions and dilemmas
related to health care. In health care settings, ethical questions arise when
“the right thing to do” is unclear, or when people disagree about what is
best for a patient.
The Ethics Committee is a consultative and advisory body and does not make decisions regarding a person’s care or the organization’s policies. For more information contact the Ethics Committee Chair at 742-3542 ext. 1798 or click here.
The Ethics Committee is a consultative and advisory body and does not make decisions regarding a person’s care or the organization’s policies. For more information contact the Ethics Committee Chair at 742-3542 ext. 1798 or click here.
| Fire Drills | − |
Fire drills are held monthly at various times. When you hear the fire bell, please return to your room. Ask your visitors to stay in your room until more instructions are given. For safety reasons, patient room doors normally close when the fire alarm rings. Staff will come to check on you and keep you informed.
| Flowers / Balloons | − |
Sometimes a roommate or staff may be allergic or sensitive to flowers. Some nursing staff have severe allergies to lilies. Always wash your hands after handling plants or flowers.
Due to allergies latex balloons are not allowed in the hospital, foil balloons are allowed.
Due to allergies latex balloons are not allowed in the hospital, foil balloons are allowed.
| Health Records | − |
Your hospital health record starts when you are registered. It holds all the information about your care while you are in the hospital.
| Hospital Services not Covered by MSI | − |
Some take home supplies and special services are not covered by MSI. You can buy a starter kit of medications to use until you can get your prescription filled.
| Hospital Overstay Policy | − |
Once a patient is documented medically stabled and is no longer in need of acute care hospital services or is awaiting placement in a long term care facility, they are no longer entitled to insured hospital services. They may be required to: leave hospital or be subject to $79.00 charge for each day after a three day notice period. There is an appeal process through the CEO of the district.
| Identification Bracelet | − |
This bracelet is given to you when you are admitted and also when you are a patient in the Yarmouth Regional Hospital ER department. The bracelet tells us who you are and if you have allergies. If the bracelet comes off or gets damaged, tell your nurse.
| Infection Control | − |
Germs spread easily in hospital from person to person. Everyone must practice good infection control at all times. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. Please remember to wash your hands often during your stay.
Ways you can help to stop the spread of infection:
● Remember to wash your hands often.
● Remind visitors and staff to wash their hands. They can use the alcohol hand wash outside your room before they visit you.
● Use paper towel to shut off the taps after you’ve washed your hands.
● Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth
● Keep your hands away from your IV tube, catheter tube, open wounds, etc.
● Remind visitors not to come to the hospital if they are ill.
● Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
A good hand wash takes 10-15 seconds. You can time yourself by singing Happy Birthday or the ABCs. Remind your visitors if they are feeling unwell that they should not visit you or other patients in the hospital. This includes people with the flu, stomach viruses, chickenpox, etc.
Sometimes staff and visitors wear gowns and masks to prevent germs from spreading from patient to patient. These precautions help protect everyone in the hospital environment.
Clostridium difficile: Information for Patients
Version français
MRSA: Information for Hospital Patient Contacts
Version français
MRSA: Information for Patients with MRSA
Version français
VRE:Information for Hospital Patient Contacts
Version français
VRE: Information for Patient & Family
Version français
Ways you can help to stop the spread of infection:
● Remember to wash your hands often.
● Remind visitors and staff to wash their hands. They can use the alcohol hand wash outside your room before they visit you.
● Use paper towel to shut off the taps after you’ve washed your hands.
● Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth
● Keep your hands away from your IV tube, catheter tube, open wounds, etc.
● Remind visitors not to come to the hospital if they are ill.
● Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
A good hand wash takes 10-15 seconds. You can time yourself by singing Happy Birthday or the ABCs. Remind your visitors if they are feeling unwell that they should not visit you or other patients in the hospital. This includes people with the flu, stomach viruses, chickenpox, etc.
Sometimes staff and visitors wear gowns and masks to prevent germs from spreading from patient to patient. These precautions help protect everyone in the hospital environment.
Clostridium difficile: Information for Patients
Version français
MRSA: Information for Hospital Patient Contacts
Version français
MRSA: Information for Patients with MRSA
Version français
VRE:Information for Hospital Patient Contacts
Version français
VRE: Information for Patient & Family
Version français
| Information About a Patient | − |
Please choose one person to be your contact person. That person can give other family members and friends updates about your condition. Your contact person can call staff to see how you are doing.
| Lymphedema Treatment | − |
South West Health offers treatment for people suffering from the effects of lymphedema. Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid in the body. If left untreated, it can lead to infections, enlargement of the affected limb and hardening of the skin. This treatment is available primarily to women who have developed lymphedema due to mastectomy, removal of lymph nodes, radiation or any combination of these interventions. A physician referral is required.
| Preparing to go Home (Discharge Planning) | − |
Staff can help you arrange support and care after you leave the hospital, such as:
● Information about services and equipment available in your area.
● Referrals to care facilities such as nursing home or residential care.
● Arrangements for other services you need such as Home Care, respite care, Meals on Wheels and Veteran Affairs.
● Contacts for financial assistance.
Discharge time is 11:00 a.m. When your doctor has notified you of your discharge, please be ready to leave by 11:00 a.m. so that the room can be cleaned and prepared for the next patient.
● Information about services and equipment available in your area.
● Referrals to care facilities such as nursing home or residential care.
● Arrangements for other services you need such as Home Care, respite care, Meals on Wheels and Veteran Affairs.
● Contacts for financial assistance.
Discharge time is 11:00 a.m. When your doctor has notified you of your discharge, please be ready to leave by 11:00 a.m. so that the room can be cleaned and prepared for the next patient.
| Mental Health Services | − |
If you or someone you know is depressed, in crisis or needs emotional help contact the closest Mental Health office:
Yarmouth ......................... 742-4222
Shelburne.......................... 875-4200
Digby................................ 245-4709
Clare................................. 645-3470
Yarmouth ......................... 742-4222
Shelburne.......................... 875-4200
Digby................................ 245-4709
Clare................................. 645-3470
| Organ Donation | − |
We take part in the Nova Scotia Human Organ and Tissue Recovery program. You will be asked if you are an organ or tissue donor. Talk to your family so they know whether you want to donate tissue and organs.
| Paid Parking | − |
You must pay $3.00 to exit the parking lot.
If you visit often, you can buy a monthly parking card from the Business Office. The parking card allows unlimited parking.
PLEASE...Park only in designated parking spots
or you may be ticketed or towed at your expense
Your car may be towed if you park in no-parking
areas, on grass, in a fire lane, in front of a door, etc.
| Partners In Safety | − |
Many of our patients are elderly and have poor hearing and sight. In the “unfamiliar” hospital environment, there is increased risk of falls. Family and friends can help by ensuring the patient is safe when they leave, eg. if bedrails where lowered during the visit, please put them up before you leave. Check to be sure the patient’s nurse call bell is within reach.
| Physician Visits | − |
Our physicians usually make inpatient rounds daily in the morning, but may visit later in the day as well. If the need should arise to see a physician “after-hours”, the nurse on the unit would contact your family physician. If unavailable, the nurse would contact the doctor “on call”.
If a family member wishes to see a physician regarding your condition, a meeting with the physician can be arranged through the nurse in charge of your care. This meeting will be set up for a time that is good for you and the doctor. You should pick one person to be the spokesperson.
If a family member wishes to see a physician regarding your condition, a meeting with the physician can be arranged through the nurse in charge of your care. This meeting will be set up for a time that is good for you and the doctor. You should pick one person to be the spokesperson.
| Pre-Assessment Clinic | − |
At the clinic you will be seen by a nurse who will help you get ready for your upcoming surgery. You will be asked a lot of health questions and given time to ask your questions. You will be given information regarding your surgery as well as information to help you prepare before, during and after the surgery. Testing can also be done such as blood tests, heart test, urine test, etc.
Guide to Day Surgery
Version français
Surgery... Helpful Hints for Parent and Children
Version français
Guide to Day Surgery
Version français
Surgery... Helpful Hints for Parent and Children
Version français
| Public Health Services | − |
Public Health staff work with individuals and communities. We support wellness by giving flu shots, teaching women about childbirth, teaching teenagers to eat healthy and other wellness activities.
Call our nearest office for more information:
Yarmouth.......................... 742-7141
Barrington......................... 637-2430
Digby............................... 245-2557
Meteghan.......................... 645-2325
Shelburne.......................... 875-2623
Call our nearest office for more information:
Yarmouth.......................... 742-7141
Barrington......................... 637-2430
Digby............................... 245-2557
Meteghan.......................... 645-2325
Shelburne.......................... 875-2623
| Rehabilitation Services | − |
The rehabilitation services team works to help people who have an injury or illness that has changed their daily life. They also work with persons with special needs. Inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy and occupational therapy services are available from each hospital site. Ask your doctor if you would benefit from a referral for these services. People without a family doctor can call the nearest rehabilitation services department to ask about a self referral:
Roseway Hospital ....................... 875-4144 ext. 204
Digby General Hospital................ 245-2502 ext. 3257
Yarmouth Regional Hospital......... 742-3542 ext. 1137
Roseway Hospital ....................... 875-4144 ext. 204
Digby General Hospital................ 245-2502 ext. 3257
Yarmouth Regional Hospital......... 742-3542 ext. 1137
| Scent Reduced / Smoke Free | − |
Scents (such as perfume) cause health problems for many people. Please do not use scented products. All South West Health properties are tobacco product free, smokers must go off hospital grounds to use tobacco products. Help is available to smokers who are admitted to hospital.
| Telephones | − |
To apply for bedside service, dial 899 from your bedside telephone (8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.). The charges will be billed to your home telephone account.
To make a call once connected dial 7 (example 7-555-1010).
To place a long distance call, dial 7 then dial 0, the operator will help you. To reach the hospital operator dial 0.
Cellular phones and other wireless devices can interfere with some medical equipment. Please do not use your cell phone in the hospital.
To make a call once connected dial 7 (example 7-555-1010).
To place a long distance call, dial 7 then dial 0, the operator will help you. To reach the hospital operator dial 0.
Cellular phones and other wireless devices can interfere with some medical equipment. Please do not use your cell phone in the hospital.
| Valuables | − |
You are responsible for your own clothing and items you keep in your room. Please bring only necessary personal items to the hospital, including just a small amount of cash.
You can deposit valuables in the hospital’s safe. Deposits can be made at any time, but the best time to do so is when you are admitted. You will be given a receipt. The original receipt must be presented to withdraw money or valuables from safekeeping.
CAUTION: When you remove your eyeglasses, false teeth, hearing aides, etc., make sure you place them in an appropriate container and put the container in your bedside table. Do not wrap items in Kleenex, paper towels or place them on your food tray or on your bed.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask your caregiver.
You can deposit valuables in the hospital’s safe. Deposits can be made at any time, but the best time to do so is when you are admitted. You will be given a receipt. The original receipt must be presented to withdraw money or valuables from safekeeping.
CAUTION: When you remove your eyeglasses, false teeth, hearing aides, etc., make sure you place them in an appropriate container and put the container in your bedside table. Do not wrap items in Kleenex, paper towels or place them on your food tray or on your bed.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask your caregiver.
