About Your Hospital Stay Admission to the Hospital Health information
Upon admission to the hospital, you will be asked a number of questions to ensure we have your correct name and address, to register any supplemental health insurance coverage you may have, and to ensure we know about any known allergies or special dietary needs. You will be given a hospital identification bracelet that will include important information such as your name and your hospital identification number. You may be given a second bracelet to wear if you have any known allergies. It is important that you wear these bracelets at all times during your hospital stay so we can ensure you are properly identified. When being admitted, please be prepared to provide the following information: • your name, current address and phone number • name of your family doctor • your Ontario Health Card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan or OHIP) • details or copies of your policy about any additional or alternate health care insurance coverage • name of your employer • name and phone number of your spouse or Next of Kin • any known allergies you may have to food or medications • any other information which you think may be helpful to your health care providers
Name a contact person
When you are admitted, you will be asked to choose a family member (or a friend) who will act as the hospital’s primary contact person during your stay. This person’s name will be noted on your chart and in the patient care Kardex. This person will be the spokesperson for the family and will be the only person (other than you) to whom information will be given. The contact person may also ask questions on your behalf. Please remember that, to respect your privacy, the hospital will not give out information to casual callers. Other family members and friends should be instructed to call your chosen contact person for information.
Your health records
Throughout your hospital stay, members of your health care team will be collecting and documenting information about your care and treatment. This information is entered into your ‘health record’. Patient health records are legal documents and must be kept for ten years after the date of your last hospital visit. For children 18 years of age and under, health records must be kept for ten years after the date of the child’s 18th birthday. All information is kept strictly confidential. To obtain information regarding your health record, contact the Health Information Management Department at extension 32019.
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