 As a partner, you have rights as well as responsibilities. If you're going
to have an operation, for example, your surgeon will explain
the procedure to you in advance and answer any questions you
may have. But, before you provide consent for such a procedure,
you have a personal responsibility to make certain you understand
what your consent involves in terms of surgery, treatment
and recovery. And, throughout your hospital stay, you have
an additional obligation to keep your doctor and nurse informed
of any concerns you have. They are responsible for your well
being. You are responsible for letting them know if anything
is wrong.
Today, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is a part
of a broader health care system; and your health care program
may continue after you are discharged from the hospital. You
should talk to your doctor to arrange any community-based
care you are scheduled to receive. TBRHSC is committed to
providing you with the best possible care. To do that, we
are changing the way we do business. As these changes occur,
we want to ensure that your views are being considered. As
such, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your
hospital stay, so please help us ensure that your needs are
being met.
As an informed partner in your health care program, you can
ensure you are prepared for your hospital stay by following
this simple check list:
- Remember to leave your valuables, such as jewelry, at home;
and bring only enough money to purchase items you may need
during your stay.
- Pack personal articles, such as toiletries, books, magazines
and a dressing gown and slippers. While hospitals provide
standard nightgowns, you can bring your own sleep wear, but
be aware that the hospital does not do personal laundry.
- Find out if the hospital has visiting hours and rules limiting
the number of visitors, then tell your friends and family
so they can plan ahead.
- Bring a list of any medication that you are currently taking
or have taken recently.
- Make sure you can provide the hospital with your family doctor's
name, your OHIP card, details of any additional health insurance
coverage, and information regarding any allergies you may
have.
- Provide instructions on how the hospital can contact your
spouse, next of kin, or a close friend who can act as your
doctor's contact. This individual can then keep other family
and friends informed of your condition.
- Take the time to make sure your family and physician understand
your wishes regarding care and treatment. That way, a spouse
or next of kin can act as a substitute decision-maker in the
event that you are unable to consent to treatment. In some
cases, you may also want to give "power of attorney"
to a relative or friend so they can temporarily handle your
financial affairs.
As an insured resident of Ontario with standard OHIP coverage,
you will have the option of three types of accommodation.
A standard room has four or more beds, and the cost is covered
completely by OHIP. If you wish a semi-private room or a private
room, you will be charged an additional amount. Telephones
are installed in most hospital rooms, and there is generally
a small charge for this service. In addition, televisions
and radios can usually be rented. Additionally, as in most
hospitals, you will also be able to choose your meals from
daily menu. Meals are prepared under the supervision of a
nutritionist or dietitian. It's important to check with the
dietitian or nurse before consuming any food brought by friends
or family members because it could be harmful to your treatment.
For additional information, please visit Planning
Your Hospital Stay.
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