Consent
for Treatment
When you are admitted to the hospital, part of your care may consist
of routine tests for which no consent is required. This may include
tests such as chest X-rays, urine tests, some blood tests, etc.,
that normally occur during a patient's hospital stay. Your doctor
or health professional will explain other procedures that are
more involved. You may be asked to give written consent for these
tests or procedures.
Discharge
Information
Please note that our discharge time for most patients is 11:00
a.m. Please make arrangements with a family member or friend
to take you home. Your nurse will arrange for a volunteer
or staff member to take you to the Main Lobby in a wheelchair.
Before you leave, remember to: |
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Disconnectyour telephone. |
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Get
any special instructions from your nurse. |
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Take
your medications and/or prescriptions. |
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Electrical
Appliances/Telephones
For safety reasons, the following appliances are not permitted:
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Personal electrical appliances (such as hair dryers, curling
irons, etc.) unless inspected by our Engineering Department. |
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Cellular telephones. |
The following
appliances are permitted:
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A battery-powered radio, provided you use an earphone
attachment. |
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Electric
razors that use low voltage. |
Flower
Delivery
Flowers are delivered to patients' rooms by volunteers or staff
each day. Generally, deliveries are made in the afternoon.
Fire Drills
From
time to time, we test the fire alarm system in the hospital. Do
not be concerned. These tests and drills are part of our normal
safety program.
When you hear the alarm, all doors will be closed until the "all
clear" signal is given. Your nurse will keep you informed.
Food
Service
While in hospital, your menu is based on the "healthy-heart" concept
to promote healthier eating. This means that the menu choices
will be lower in salt and fat and can be higher in fibre depending
on your selections. You may notice a difference in taste because
the Food Service Department does not cook with salt. If you are
on a special diet prescribed by a doctor, there may be other modifications
made to your menu.
Identification
Bracelets
Please wear your identification bracelet on your wrist at all
times. If your bracelet becomes lost or damaged, please tell your
nurse. If you have allergies, you may receive more than one bracelet
during your stay.
Infection
Control
Infection control helps prevent the spread of infections. Our
caregivers take appropriate precautions when in contact with body
substances that may contain disease-causing micro-organisms. Those
precautions may include gloves, masks, gowns, aprons or eyewear.
Handwashing is the single most effective method for the prevention
of infection.
Leaving
the Unit
If you want to leave the unit for any reason, please tell your
nurse or check with the nursing station before you leave.
Lost
and Found
Misplaced items may be located by Security/Administration. Please
report missing items to your nurse.
Medications
Bring all the medications that you have been taking at home -
in their original containers. A nurse or pharmacist will review
your medications and identify any concerns with your present medications.
Medication Record Sheet
Smoking/Scents
River Valley Health is a Smoke-Free Property and scent-reduced environment. Smoking is not permitted on all River Valley Health premises, and in all vehicles parked on RVH property.
Several supports are available to assist you during your hospital stay:
- Nicotine Patch
- Nicotine Gum
- Other Pharmacotherapy
- RVH Quit Smoking Information Kit
- Consult on quit smoking
Your doctor will choose the right support for you. Talk to your doctor or nurse about a plan for quitting.
To
protect staff and patients with allergies, River Valley Health has a policy that promotes a
scent-reduced
environment. Please do not wear scented products and encourage
your visitors to respect this policy.
More information on Tobacco Reduction
| Telephone
Service Hook-up |
Most
patient beds are equipped with a private telephone.
Once you request this service, it is billed to your
home telephone number with Aliant. Daily rates are based
on:
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Service
for 1 to 15 days |
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Service for 16 to 30 days |
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Service
for 30 days or more
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To order,
disconnect or transfer your telephone service, simply dial
"123" for automated assistance. It is your responsibility
to disconnect your telephone before you leave the hospital.
Your hospital telephone number is shown on the telephone set.
Please give this number to your friends and family if you
want calls coming directly into your patient room.
Patients may call out on their telephone 24-hours a
day. However, to prevent disturbing other patients,
Aliant disables the system during quiet hours. You will
be unable to receive calls between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00
a.m. |
Television
Hook-up
Television service varies by facility. Please refer to the Hospital
Services section of this directory for television access.