Your Room
Preferred Accommodations
If you are admitted to the hospital, CKHA staff will present you with a form to allow you to select your preferred accommodations. CKHA has ward, semi-private and private rooms available. We will do our best to give you your preferred room; however, we do not know until the day you are admitted what room will be available. Patients are assigned to the first available bed appropriate to meet their care needs. If you request a semi-private or private room, please be sure you check your personal insurance coverage, as the Ministry of Health does not cover the added charges for these room types. If you would like a semi-private or private room and your insurance provider does not cover 100 per cent of the costs, you will be responsible to pay the extra cost. See the Patient Billing section on pages 30-31 for information about paying hospital bills.
In Your Room
TV Services: Television services are available in patient rooms through CKHA’s patient entertainment system. Patients and families can order services directly using the touch screen on the TV, by visiting www.locmedical.com or by calling 1.800.263.1113.
If your television is not working properly, please inform a member of your care team. Maintenance support is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Please note: Television services are not available in patient rooms within the Inpatient Mental Health unit.
Bedside Phones: Bedside telephones are available in most rooms and local calls may be made at no cost to you. Simply dial ‘9’ and the local number. To place a long distance call, please dial ext. 6299 and the operator will assist you. You must call collect or bill your home number to use your personal long distance calling card. To place a call inside either site of CKHA, dial the 4-digit extension number.
WiFi: CKHA is pleased to offer free WiFi at both sites through the network “Guest”. Guests who leave the hospital should check their settings to confirm that they are fully connected upon return. There is no guarantee of WiFi access at both sites.
Partnering in Your Care
Participating in your Care: One of the contributing factors to receiving the best healthcare is to be an active member of your care team. This means taking part and being involved in every decision about your care. This also means asking a member of your care team if you have questions so that you can make informed choices. It means coming prepared for your medical treatment, knowing what to do when you get home, and involving your care partner(s) to ensure you are receiving the support you need.
Communicating Test Results and Diagnoses: During your admission your doctor may order a variety of tests. The test results will help to inform your diagnoses and potential treatment plans. Test results must be communicated to you by your doctor. The other members of your care team (such as your nurse, social worker, physiotherapist, and others) can help to answer any questions you may have after the doctor has shared the results with you.
Shift Change: Nursing staff typically work 12-hour shifts, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Shift change occurs at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. During shift change you will be introduced to your new nurse, and important information about your condition and/ or needs will be communicated from nurse to nurse. Please help us in ensuring important information is communicated during shift change.
Informed Consent: You may be asked to sign a consent form for certain tests, procedures and treatments. Before signing, make sure you know and understand the benefits and risks. This is informed consent. If you have any questions or would like additional information before signing, talk to your doctor. You have the right to refuse treatment. You also have the responsibility to disclose all symptoms and changes in your condition to your care team and to follow their instructions regarding treatment.
Advanced Care Planning: You are also urged to consider Advance Care Planning. For more information about advance care planning, speak to your health care provider or visit www.advancecareplanning.ca. Advance Care Planning can help you set in place a:
- Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) – A person who is authorized to give consent and make treatment decisions on your behalf if you become incapable.
- Power of Attorney for Personal Care – This document allows you to choose in advance your Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) for personal and health care choices.
- Conversation with your SDM and health care providers about your values and wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment.
If you have any documentation about your wishes or have named a Substitute Decision Maker or Power of Attorney for Personal Care, please provide a copy to your care team for your chart.
Your Identification: As a patient, you will be given a hospital ID bracelet. Please check to make sure the information on your bracelet is correct – name, date of birth, etc. Please always wear your bracelet. If it comes off, please ask your care team for a new one. The members of your care team will ask you your name and date of birth before any test, procedure or surgery is performed, and before any medication is given. They may also scan your arm band. Your care team does this to reduce mistakes and keep you safe.
Medications: Please bring all of your medications with you when you come to the hospital, including all prescription and non-prescription medications, complementary and herbal supplements. You will not be taking your own medications while in hospital, but this will help your healthcare team ensure your medications are ordered accurately.
Allergies: Please tell your care team about any allergies you may have. This includes allergies to food, medications or environmental elements. Because some patients, visitors and staff are allergic to products containing latex, we do not allow latex balloons in the hospital. As an alternative, mylar balloons (the shiny silver balloons) are welcomed.
Call Bells: A call bell is provided for you to ring when you need assistance. Your care team will show you how to use it and will ensure it is within reach. After ringing the bell, a member of your team will respond using the two-way intercom or by coming to your room. Please stay where you are and wait for a member of your care team to help you.
