Hospital Services Directory. St. Joseph's General Hospital. Comox, BC

Hospital Services Directory St. Joseph’s General Hospital

2137 Comox Avenue Comox, B.C. V9M 1A9 250-339-2242

www.sjghcomox.ca Care with Compassion PLEASE TAKE THE DIRECTORY HOME Issued: May 2016

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WhO WE ARE WhO WE ARE VISION VISION VAlUES VAlUES mISSION STATEmENT mISSION STATEmENT PRIVAcY STATEmENT PRIVAcY STATEmENT EThIcS SUPPORT EThIcS SUPPORT SPIRITUAl cARE SPIRITUAl cARE FOUNDATION FOUNDATION PATIENT & FAmIlY cENTERED cARE PATIENT & FAmIlY cENTERED cARE VISITING hOURS VISITING hOURS PAY PARKING PAY PARKING PATIENT SAFETY PATIENT SAFETY BANKING BANKING GIFT ShOP GIFT ShOP hAIRDRESSING AND BARBER SERVIcES hAIRDRESSING AND BARBER SERVIcES TElEVISION, TElEPhONE AND INTERNET TElEVISION, TElEPhONE AND INTERNET lANGUAGES lANGUAGES SmOKING SmOKING mAIl, FlOWERS AND FRAGRANcES mAIl, FlOWERS AND FRAGRANcES EDUcATION EDUcATION VOlUNTEERS VOlUNTEERS ST. JOSEPh’S hOSPITAl AUXIlIARY SOcIEITY ST. JOSEPh’S hOSPITAl AUXIlIARY SOcIEITY cOTTAGE ThRIFT ShOP cOTTAGE ThRIFT ShOP PET VISITATION PET VISITATION ZERO TOlERANcE FOR VIOlENcE, BAD lANGUAGE ZERO TOlERANcE FOR VIOlENcE, BAD lANGUAGE FIVE SImPlE STEPS TO A SAFE hOSPITAl STAY FIVE SImPlE STEPS TO A SAFE hOSPITAl STAY PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUcTIONS FOR SURGIcAl PATIENTS PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUcTIONS FOR SURGIcAl PATIENTS VAlUABlES VAlUABlES PATIENT cARE – cOmOX VAllEY DIABETES cENTRE PATIENT cARE – cOmOX VAllEY DIABETES cENTRE PATIENT cARE – clINIcAl NUTRITION PATIENT cARE – clINIcAl NUTRITION SENIORS NURSE cONSUlTANT SENIORS NURSE cONSUlTANT RESIDENTIAl SERVIcES – ThE VIEWS RESIDENTIAl SERVIcES – ThE VIEWS hOSPIcE AT ThE VIEWS hOSPIcE AT ThE VIEWS PATIENT cARE – EmERGENcY DEPARTmENT (ED) PATIENT cARE – EmERGENcY DEPARTmENT (ED) PATIENT cARE – INTENSIVE cARE UNIT (IcU) & TElEmETRY UNIT (TElE) PATIENT cARE – INTENSIVE cARE UNIT (IcU) & TElEmETRY UNIT (TElE) PATIENT cARE – mATERNITY PATIENT cARE – mATERNITY I

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FlOORS – FIRST FlOOR

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PATIENT cARE – AmBUlATORY cARE

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PATIENT cARE – PAEDIATRIcS

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SEcOND FlOOR – TRANSITIONAl cARE UNIT

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ThIRD FlOOR – SURGIcAl UNIT

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FIRST & ThIRD FlOOR – mEDIcAl UNIT

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PATIENT cARE – ONcOlOGY

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TElEhEAlTh

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mAmmOGRAPhY ScREENING

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PATIENT cARE – REhABIlITATION SERVIcES

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PATIENT cARE – PSYchIATRY/mENTAl hEAlTh & SUSTANcE USE SERVIcES

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PATIENT cARE – SURGERY

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lABORATORY SERVIcES

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cARDIOlOGY / PUlmONARY SERVIcES

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DIAGNOSTIc ImAGING / mEDIcAl ImAGING

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NUclEAR mEDIcINE

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hEAlTh REcORDS

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SOcIAl WORK

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WITNESSING DOcUmENTS / cOmmISSIONER OF OAThS

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NUTRITIONAl SERVIcES

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hOSPITAl cAFETERIA

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ENVIRONmENTAl SERVIcES

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STERIlE PROcESSING DEPARTmENT

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PhARmAcY

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BIO mEDIcAl / INFORmATION SYSTEmS

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ABORIGINAl hEAlTh

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ISlAND mEDIcAl PROGRAm

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WhO WE ARE

St. Joseph's General Hospital is owned by the Bishop of Victoria and is directed locally by a Board of Directors comprised of Comox Valley residents.

The Hospital has an Affiliation Agreement with the Vancouver Island Health Authority and has a mandate to provide acute, complex care, residential and ambulatory health services to meet the present and future needs of the communities which it serves.

With a Foundation of Catholic tradition of the Healing Ministry, St. Joseph's General Hospital is committed to providing “care with compassion” to all those who seek care.

St. Joseph’s General Hospital began in 1913 when the Comox Logging Company inquired of the Bishop of Victoria whether an Order of Sisters could be found to provide care for their loggers and their families. It was the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto who responded to this invitation, bringing Christian virtues and traditions. The Hospital’s centennial was marked in 2013.

In 1989 the Sisters of St. Joseph transferred ownership to the Diocese of Victoria.

St. Joseph's is a general community hospital that also provides regional services. As a general community hospital it serves the 65,000 people of the Comox Valley; from Bowser in the South to the Oyster River in the North, including the islands of Denman and Hornby.

As a hospital providing regional specialist services, it serves 125,000 residents of the North Island; from Bowser in the South to Port Hardy in the North, Tahsis in the West and Powell River in the East, and all the islands in between.

St. Joseph's is a 241 bed (120 Acute Care, 117 Complex Care, 4 Hospice) facility. It provides a full spectrum of services normally found in a facility serving a population of this size with specialties in Anesthesia, Dermatology, Ear Nose & Throat, Emergency Medicine; General Surgery, Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Pathology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology and Urology, in addition to a full complement of Family Practitioners, Midwives and Oral Surgeons, as well as Dentists; all supported by a full spectrum of technology and staff in diagnostic imaging, laboratory and rehabilitation medicine.

VISION

“Our vision is to become ever more able to serve the needs of the community with care, compassion and skill.”

VAlUES

         

Stewardship and Creativity Subsidiarity Excellence Social Responsibility Recognition of Achievement Respect for Human Life Human Dignity Compassion Community of Service Respect for Human Life

mISSION STATEmENT

Our hospital embodies the Christian principles of health care in the Catholic tradition. These principles of dignity of the individual and common good inspire our staff, physicians and volunteers to dedicate themselves to service and to the support of one another.

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PRIVAcY STATEmENT

While you are receiving care within our organization, staff, physicians and other authorized individuals associated with St. Joseph's (e.g. contracted service providers) will collect personal and current information from you to provide you with physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual care/treatment (hereafter referred to as "care") and services. In some cases, your family, friends or legally authorized representative may provide us with information, or we may obtain copies of records from other health care organizations that will be helpful to your care. We may also obtain information from external sources such as medication information from PharmNet, diagnostic results from laboratories and confirmation of your personal health number from the Ministry of Health Services.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact the Manager of Health Records/Freedom of Information Coordinator at (250) 339-1441 (telephone) or (250) 339-1442 (fax).

EThIcS SUPPORT

St. Joseph’s is committed to living our Mission, Vision and Values with highest standards of ethical integrity.

Ethics support is available during times of ethical uncertainty in order to ensure the best and most appropriate care is being delivered to each person in a manner respectful to all.

An example of a decision that could have an ethical implication could be the treatment a patient wants at the end of life or their advance care plan.

Our clinical Ethical Decision-making Brochure guides the process in difficult situations. Copies are on our website and outside the Pastoral Care offices on the ground floor and The Views.

Our multi-disciplinary Ethics committee meets monthly for ethical reflection, education, case studies, education and research approval.

For Ethics Support consult your physician or program manager or contact Spiritual Care:

Chaplain / Ethical Support (250) 339-1531 or local 61531

SPIRITUAl cARE

St. Joseph’s is committed to providing care with compassion for the whole person, body, mind, and spirit for patients, family, staff and volunteers. We offer spiritual support during times of distress, change or ethical concerns.

We respect the beliefs and spiritual traditions of each unique person including those who do not belong to a religious group. We do not engage in proselytizing. We offer spiritual support as requested.

You may request Spiritual care when you:  Need spiritual support, prayers, rituals, sacraments  Grief, loss of hope  An ethical concern, patient advocacy  Bad news, chronic situation, dying process  Information about funeral arrangements  Assistance to connect with a faith based community leader -2-

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Advance care plan Any reason you may want to talk to Spiritual Care

Contact: Emergency Pager:

monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (250) 218-4858 Saturday/Sunday/holidays – (250) 218-9465

Chaplain / Spiritual Support (250) 339-1531 or local 61531

FOUNDATION

St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation is a registered charity that’s purpose is to raise funds to help sustain and enhance quality of healthcare to support St. Joseph’s General Hospital.

Donations from the public to the Foundation are funneled into much-needed medical equipment, capital projects, patient comfort items and staff education at our community hospital. Please note that all acute care equipment funded by donors now will transfer to the new Comox Valley Hospital in the fall of 2017, and that the Foundation’s name will change on June 24, 2016 to represent its overarching support of Comox Valley healthcare.

The extraordinary level of care that St. Joseph’s General Hospital provides touches all our lives, from first breath to end of life. By making a donation to our Hospital Foundation, you help ensure that the highest quality of healthcare is available for your family, friends and neighbours in the Comox Valley and the surrounding areas now and for generations to come.

PATIENT AND FAmIlY cENTERED cARE Patient-and family-centered care (PFCC) is an approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among health care providers, patients, and families. It redefines the relationships in health care. Further, it is a model to health care that shapes policies, programs, facility design, and staff day-to-day interactions. This approach helps staff to re-frame what they do, to see things from patients’ perspectives, and to work with patients to identify often small changes that make a big difference to patients’ experience of care. Providing patient-centered care supports the vital role that families play in ensuring the health and well-being of patients of all ages.

St. Joseph’s General Hospital is committed to ensuring we provide a healthcare environment that is compassionate and is centered and organized around the needs of our patients and as such we have adopted the four PFCC values and concepts, developed by the Institute for Patient and Family Centered Care (IPFCC): 1. Dignity and Respect: Listening to and honouring patient and family perspectives and choices. Client and family knowledge, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds and incorporated in the planning and delivery of care.

2. Information Sharing: Communicating and sharing complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patient and families receive timely, complete and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.

3. Partnership and Participation: Encouraging and supporting patients and their families to participate in care and decision making to the extent that they wish.

4. collaboration: Collaborating with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation, facility design, professional education, and delivery of care.

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VISITING hOURS At St. Joseph’s General Hospital we recognize that families play an integral role in the healing process and are a vital member of the health care team. We welcome families 24 hours a day according to patient preference. Family members as identified by the patient, provide support, comfort, and important information during their hospital stay regardless of time of day, day of week, or department.

Note: Visitors entering or exiting the building after 9:00 p.m. must do so through the Emergency Entrance as the Main Entrance, and exit through the side door adjacent to the ER as other entrances/exits will be locked.

Visiting guidelines are intended to provide our patients the time they need to heal and to help us reduce the risk of infection. While having visitors is encouraged on most units, staff may limit the time and the number of visitors, if circumstances warrant. The hospital also recommends that patients and relatives limit the number of visitors themselves, to permit the much needed rest that promotes recovery. Only two visitors per patient are generally recommended. Children under 14 years of age must be supervised by an adult who is not the patient are welcome.

Note: for the Maternal/Child Unit, children age 14 and older may visit. Siblings are the only children under 14 who may visit.    

Visitor restrictions may be implemented in specific circumstances, such as an outbreak or emergency situation.

In special circumstances, a family member may request a cot in a patient's private room to stay overnight.

Anyone who is unwell should refrain from visiting – a sick visitor won't help a relative or friend in their recovery. If uncertain, talking it over with the patient’s nurse can put a visitor’s mind at ease.

For the safety of our patients, families and visitors are required to perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub upon entering and leaving the patient’s room.

PAY PARKING

Pay parking is available on site and tickets can be purchased at kiosks located at all parking lots and are acceptable in all lots. Costs are as posted on the kiosks. Monthly passes are available from Patient Placement (Admitting Desk) or Finance.

Exceptions are those patients attending the Lab or the Cancer Clinic. Please register your license plate upon check in with the department so you will not be ticketed.

PATIENT SAFETY – hAND hYGIENE

Hand hygiene is a significant means of preventing transmission of organisms and spread of disease or infections between people in the hospital. Hand hygiene means cleaning hands with either soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (sanitizer) to remove the bacteria that may be on our skin. Many of these organisms are not a problem for well people, but our loved ones who are currently patients are more vulnerable and thus we are extra careful in this environment.

Family and friends can help by cleaning hands:  When entering the hospital and when entering a patient/resident’s room, assisting with the care of a patient/resident, assisting with meals.  After using the washroom, blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing (cough and sneeze into your elbow!).  Before leaving a patient/resident’s room, and before leaving the hospital.  If in doubt – just wash your hands and use sanitizer whenever possible!!

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Extra Important! Clean hands BETWEEN touching people or their belongings to prevent carrying germs from one person to another. Using good hand hygiene at all times will protect you and others from times you don’t know an infectious organism is on someone else’s skin. Canisters of disinfecting wipes are available to clean communal equipment such as transport wheelchairs at the front entrance.

And as staff…

We don’t mind if you remind us to wash our hands: we are all working together to prevent the spread of infections.

PATIENT SAFETY: WhAT PATIENTS AND FAmIlIES cAN DO TO ENhANcE SAFETY

Be Involved in Your health care:

 Provide an accurate and complete health history to the health care team.  Participate in all decisions about your treatment  Use your correct legal name when identifying yourself at registration or admission.

What You Should Know:

You should understand as much as possible about:  Your medical problems/diagnosis.  Treatments and procedures being done in hospital.  How you should prepare for treatment.  Any medicines you are taking.

Ask questions:  Ask if you have questions or concerns about your care.  Plan the questions you want to ask and write them down if you can.  If you do not understand the answers you get the first time, it is fine to ask again. You can say, “I’m not sure I understand what you said, can you explain that to me again?”  Ask a trusted family member or friend to ask questions for you if necessary and designate someone to be your advocate (spokesperson) during your hospital stay.  You may also contact Spiritual Care (Local 61474) or Social Work (Local 63714) for assistance.  If you need an interpreter, please let us know so we have time to arrange it.

General Safety:  Washing your hands is the most important thing you can do to fight germs.  Have your visitors wash their hands before coming in contact with you.  Feel free to ask staff if they have washed their hands.  Ask visitors who have an infection or a cold not to visit you.  Health care members who handle your blood and other body fluids should wear gloves.  There are antibacterial wipes available for purchase in the gift shop.

medication Safety:  Bring a list of your medications; prescription and over-the-counter and non-prescription medications, vitamins herbal supplements, etc.  Tell the doctor or nurse if you have ever had an allergic or bad reaction to any medicine or food.  Do not take any medications or herbal supplements from home without first asking your doctor or nurse.  Do not let anyone give you medications without asking your name and birth date or checking your hospital ID band first.  Tell your doctor or nurse about anything that worries you about your medications. For your safe identification, a photograph may be taken and kept on your file.

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Preventing Falls:  Follow directions about getting out of bed or walking.  If you are not able to get out of bed, make sure your personal items are in your reach.  Use your call bell if you need help.  If you need to get up but feel weak, dizzy or lightheaded, use your call bell to ask for help.  Side rails are put up for your safety. Do not try to climb over them or around them.  When you are getting out of bed, rise slowly and sit at the side of the bed before standing.

Dangle your legs before you stand. Stand up slowly.  If you use a cane or walker, keep it within your reach.  If you are in the bathroom and need assistance or become weak, use the call bell on the bathroom wall.  Wear non-slip footwear.  If you usually wear glasses or a hearing aid, be sure to wear them when you are walking.

Discharge:  Have a health care provider explain your discharge plan.  Discharge is at 10:00 a.m.  Have a ride home arranged.  Make sure you have necessary help, equipment, medication and that you know when your follow up appointment is.

BANKING

An ATM is located in the main lobby of the hospital. The Cafeteria accepts debit cards and the Gift Shop accepts credit and debit cards.

GIFT ShOP

The Gift Shop is located in the main lobby of the hospital and is run by the Hospital Auxiliary Society. Clothing and devices to assist you with daily activities are available for purchase as well as cards, flowers, giftware and other sundries.

hours of Operation: Dependent on availability of volunteers; may be closed in inclement weather.

Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

hAIRDRESSING AND BARBER SERVIcES

This service is only available to Residents in The Views and the Transition Care Unit.

TElEVISION, TElEPhONE AND INTERNET

Television and internet services are available on a user pay basis through the contracted services of Hospitality Network. Dial 1-866-223-3686 from the patient’s bedside phone to order television services.

Pay phones are located in the lobby and main floor of the hospital.

Cell phones can only be used in designated areas of the hospital as they can interfere with the functioning of sensitive medical equipment.

Wi-Fi internet access is only available to patients/visitors in the ER waiting room, The Views and Hospice.

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lANGUAGES

Please inform the Patient Care Unit if you require interpretation services including sign language.

SmOKING

Smoking will not be permitted in the hospital or on the grounds to meet the standard set down by VIHA and the provincial government. This policy will apply to all persons accessing the Hospital including: employees, physicians, volunteers, patients, residents, clients, visitors, contractors, students and any other person using the Hospital facilities and/or services.

Please advise hospital staff if you are bothered by people smoking on the grounds, or if you have reason to believe someone is smoking in the hospital.

We are also designated as a scent-free facility.

mAIl, FlOWERS AND FRAGRANcES

Mail, parcels and flowers received at the hospital are delivered to rooms daily. Please avoid strong smelling flowers, e.g., lilies, lilacs. Newspapers may be obtained from the bins or vending machine, located just inside the main entrance. All mail should be clearly labeled with the patient/resident’s name and patient care unit. Visitors are requested to avoid wearing scented products/strong perfumes in all areas of the hospital as we are designated as a scent-free facility.

EDUcATION From time to time, students go through work experience and practicums at the hospital. The students may come from North Island College, U-Vic., UBC, Douglas College or B.C.I.T. Special student name tags are worn to help patients distinguish students from regular staff.

All other Hospital staff and physicians will wear approved St. Joseph’s Hospital or VIHA identification badges. Please do not hesitate to ask to see their badge if it is not visible.

VOlUNTEERS Volunteers can be seen throughout the hospital, providing a helping hand to visitors, patients and residents, as well as staff. Their “Volunteer” nametag assures you that they have been screened and trained in confidentiality, hand hygiene and hospital policy.

Volunteers help by providing information, performing basic tasks, greeting patients, offering support and a listening ear. Every volunteer has a specific assignment, but please feel free to ask them if you need something. If they can’t help you, they will pass along your request.  On the Medical/Surgical floor, Transitional Care Unit, Maternal/Child and First Floor InPatient units, Candystripers visit Monday through Thursday after school.  On the Transitional Care Unit, Junior Volunteers help every day. There are also adult volunteers who help in the Activity Room.  The Views Complex Care facility has over 130 volunteers providing support of all kinds to the residents who live there.  Other places volunteers help: Administration, Cancer Care, Cataract Clinic, Colposcopy Clinic, Daycare, Emergency Department, Information Desk in the lobby, Gift Shop and Thrift Shop, Pastoral Care, Pharmacy, Psychiatry and Screening Mammography.

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We hope our volunteers help to make you feel cared for and valued at St. Joseph’s.

ST. JOSEPh’S hOSPITAl AUXIlIARY SOcIETY

Founded in 1914 at the request of the Sisters of St. Joseph who had come out from Toronto to set up and manage a hospital, the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary Society performs a number of valuable roles for the hospital.

Serving in many capacities over our long history in the Comox Valley, our members help to raise funds and provide services to patients at St. Joseph’s. We also have a strong presence in our community by helping with special events.

We are a group of energetic, motivated men and women who want to make an active contribution to our community. We always welcome new members.

Please feel free to come to a meeting, held the third Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the upper hall of the Comox Legion. We do not meet during the months of July and August.

cOTTAGE ThRIFT ShOP

The Thrift Shop located behind the hospital is operated by the Hospital Auxiliary volunteers and all proceeds are donated to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Donation Drop Off hours: Monday and Tuesday – 9:00 a.m. to Noon and during shop hours.

Shop hours: Wednesday – Friday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

PET VISITATION

1. St. Joseph’s General Hospital recognizes the importance and value a pet has in the life of its owner, however, based on infection control evidence about allergies and the spread of bacteria, fungus and parasites, pet visitation in the acute care setting will emphasize restriction to compassionate visits. Pets may not accompany owners in the hospital lobby, other than en route to a permitted visit.

2. Dogs may be approved as visiting animals and all other pets require Infection Control approval. Infection Control does not allow reptiles or birds to visit at any time.

3. Seeing Eye Dogs or other Assistance Dogs are permitted to remain with their owners. These and all visiting animals must abide by the visiting requirements. Therapy dogs will be identified as such.

4. All people need to be aware of any patients, colleagues or visitors who experience allergies to animal dander or hair, and seek assistance if anyone is seen to be having a reaction.

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ZERO TOlERANcE FOR VIOlENcE, BAD lANGUAGE

Violence in health care differs from violence experienced by workers in other industries. Health care workers must interact closely with their patients/clients/residents and their families, often under difficult circumstances. Patients/clients/residents may act aggressively due to their medical condition or the medication they are taking. They may also have a history of violent behavior, or feel frustrated and angry as a result of their circumstances. At times, family members become abusive toward staff as well.

St. Joseph’s is committed to promoting a safe, healthy and violence-free environment for all its employees (including contractors), volunteers, patients, residents, clients and the visiting public.

This commitment extends to all areas where employees work. Violence and/or the threat of violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at St. Joseph’s General Hospital.

FIVE SImPlE STEPS TO A SAFE hOSPITAl STAY

Step 1 - Be Involved in your health care One of the keys to getting the best health care is to be an active member of your health care team. Take part and be involved in every decision about your care. Ask a member of your health care team if you have questions so that you can make informed choices.

What You Should Know You should understand as much as you can about any:  Medical problem(s) you have (your diagnosis)  Treatments or procedures that you will have  Medicines you should take and how to take it

Get Support from Family, Friends, church and Others It is often helpful to bring a family member or friend with you when you talk to your health care team. If you need an interpreter, ask in advance if there will be one there, or bring someone who can interpret for you. For your emotional and spiritual needs, you may also contact Spiritual Care (Local 61474).

Ask questions Before you see your health care team, plan the questions you want to ask and write them down if you can. Here are some good ways to ask questions:

Deciding about having a test or a treatment:  “Can you tell me more about my medical problem?”  “Can you explain it in a different way?” (such as drawing a picture)  “What is the purpose of this test or treatment?”  “Are there any other options?”  “What should I do to get ready?”  Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable talking

Planning for going home:  “What should I expect the first 1-3 days?”  “What should I tell my family about my care?”  “Can I eat the same foods that I used to?”  “When can I go back to work?”

When you get a prescription for medicine:  “What is this medicine?”  “What does the medicine do?”  “What are the side effects? When do they appear?”  “What do I do if I get these side effects? When should I call my physician?”  “How many pills do I take and how often?”

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Step 2 - Tell a member of your health care Team about your Past Illnesses and your current health Status

Tell them if:  You are not feeling well right now or have been sick lately  You are taking any medicine  You often forget or choose not to take your meds  You have had surgery or recent visits to the hospital  You have seen another doctor or gone somewhere else for health care  You have an ongoing illness like diabetes or heart disease  There is an illness that runs in your family, such as high blood pressure, asthma, or cancer  You use cigarettes, alcohol or street drugs Step 3 - Tell your health care Team all the medications and/or Supplements You Are Taking

Some medicines can combine with each other in your body and produce bad reactions.

This includes the drugs you take with a doctor’s prescription. It also includes other medicines you buy such as:  Vitamins  Herbs and herbal remedies  Food supplements  ‘Over the counter’ or non-prescription medicine you buy at the drugstore  Street/illicit drugs

Step 4 - Tell a member of your health care Team if you have ever had an Allergic or Bad Reaction to any medicine or Food

If you get sick, your health care team may have to act fast. Before they give you any medicine, they need to know if you could have a bad reaction to it. That’s why you should tell them in advance about any allergy or reaction you have ever had to any medicine or food. Reactions can include rashes, headaches, breathing trouble, and feeling sick.

Step 5 - make sure you know what to do when you go home from the hospital or from your medical Appointment When you are getting ready to go home from the hospital or after a medical treatment, ask as many questions as you can to make sure you understand. Discharge time is 10 a.m. and this is very important as your bed and room will have to be cleaned and prepared for the next patient who may be waiting on a stretcher in the Emergency department. In order to preserve access for acute care patients those patients who have been discharged as they no longer require acute care and/or who refuse discharge despite reasonable efforts for support at home or another facility will be charged by the Finance Department the full per diem hospital rate from the date of refusal.

Discuss your discharge plan with your health care team and also with your family to ensure a simple and timely discharge:

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Whether you will have to pick up a prescription before you go home What kind of transportation you will need to get home The type of care you will need at home and if you will need someone to stay with you What symptoms to watch for and who to call if something does not feel right

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Step 6 - Preventing Falls • • • • • •

Follow directions about getting out of bed and walking.

If you are not able to get out of bed make sure your personal items are in your reach.

Use your call bell if you need help.

If you need to get up but feel weak, dizzy or lightheaded, use you call bell to ask for help.

Side rails are put up for your safety. Do not try to climb over them or around them.

When you are getting out of bed, rise slowly and sit at the side of the bed before standing.

Dangle your legs before you stand. Stand up slowly.

If you use a cane or walker, keep it within your reach.

If you are in the bathroom and need assistance or become weak, use the call bell on the bathroom wall.

Wear non-slip footwear. Non-slip socks are available from your nurse and are also available for purchase from the Gift Shop in the lobby.

If you usually wear glasses or a hearing aid, be sure to wear them when you are walking.

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PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUcTIONS FOR SURGIcAl PATIENTS

What time is my surgery?

Please call the hospital switchboard operator at (250) 339-2242 the day before your surgery between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to receive your admission and procedure time. You will need to press “0” to speak to the operator. If your surgery is on a Monday or a Tuesday after a long weekend, phone the Friday before your surgery to receive your arrival time. If you do not call to get your admission time or if you arrive late, your procedure may be cancelled.

The morning of surgery You will have to arrive at the hospital up to two hours before your surgery. On arrival at the hospital, check in at the main reception desk. You will need a responsible adult to accompany you home after your surgery and stay with you overnight.

Eating and Drinking Before Surgery Do not eat food of any kind after midnight the night before your surgery. You may drink water only up until four hours before your surgery. For four hours right before your surgery time, you can have nothing by mouth including candy or gum. Do not drink alcohol the night before surgery.

What medications to Take Before Surgery On the morning of your surgery, please take all your usual morning meds and inhalers with a sip of water. Exception: Do not take “water pills” or diuretics; do not take diabetic medications. Stop Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Pre-op Day 2 (i.e., Valsartan, Irbesartan, etc.).

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Do not take Aspirin for five days before your surgery unless instructed otherwise by your doctor or nurse.

Stop Plavix or Warfarin only if instructed.

Do not take herbal vitamins of any kind or, Vitamin E, for two weeks before your surgery (i.e., Glucosamine, fish oils, ginseng, garlic, etc.)

Do not smoke the day of your surgery.

Preparation  Please follow skin preparation instructions provided by the nurse.  If your surgery requires an incision, you will shower the night before surgery and the morning of surgery using two Chlorhexidine sponges. You can purchase these sponges from the hospital gift shop. If no incision is required, one shower with regular soap and water will do.  Absolutely no jewelry or piercings for surgery.  Do not wear makeup or nail polish. Clear polish or clear gel nails are permitted.  No need to shave surgical area before surgery.  Label all belongings and equipment with your name before admission!  Please call the Preadmission nurse at (250) 339-1479 with any questions.

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What to Bring  Your BC Care Card and photo ID (driver’s license).  Bring your CPAP machine (if you use one).  If having bowel surgery, you need to bring chewing gum.  Crutches, walkers, etc. as instructed by the Nurse.  Wear loose comfortable clothing for discharge.  Bring your favorite reading material.  Bring hearing aids and glasses (with labeled glasses case) with you. cannot be worn during surgery.

Contact lenses

If You Are Staying longer than 24 hours  Do not bring your medications.  Please bring personal eye drops, inhalers and insulin as instructed.  Do bring slippers and toiletry items.  Bring a denture cup labeled with your name, if applicable.

If You Are a Day care Patient or 24 hour Day care  Bring all your medications in their original containers including inhalers, eye drops and insulin.  Bring a denture cup labeled with your name, if applicable.  If staying overnight, bring a labeled overnight bag with slippers and toiletries.

The attending physician will advise staff when the patient may go home. As there is always a demand for hospital beds, discharged patients should arrange to leave the hospital by 9:00 a.m. or as soon as possible. Patients should stop by the Admissions Desk to sign out, settle their accounts if any, and sign any necessary forms. Visiting hours are 1:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Patient Placement Department has a list of local motels, hotels and bed and breakfasts where preferred accommodation rates have been made available to the hospital; please inquire if this is of interest to you.

VAlUABlES

The Hospital will not be responsible for any item kept at the bedside. The Hospital cannot be responsible for jewelry or money not placed in safekeeping in the Patient Placement Department.

A small amount of cash may be kept at your bedside. Jewelry, valuables or money in excess of $20.00 should be left at home, or placed in safekeeping at the time of your admission. A receipt will be provided and valuables must be claimed at discharge.

PATIENT cARE - cOmOX VAllEY DIABETES EDUcATION cENTRE

The Comox Valley Diabetes Centre is an outpatient clinic which offers a range of services to assist people with diabetes. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to attend with you.

Our services include:  “Prediabetes” - This two hour class reviews the diagnosis of prediabetes and healthy lifestyle changes to prevent or delay diabetes.  “Living Well with Diabetes” - This series of three, 3 hour classes reviews diabetes diagnosis, BG testing, medications / insulin, exercise, stress and depression, foot care, healthy eating, label reading, carbohydrate counting, weight management and a whole lot more . Our medical liaison doctor, Dr. Matous, attends on day three of the program to offer the doctor’s perspective and answer questions. A certificate of training in blood glucose monitoring is provided.  “Review” - For those who have had previous diabetes education, this three hour class reviews what is new in diabetes and includes topics that the group wishes to cover.

Dr. Matous also attends.

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“Carbohydrate Counting” - Spend two hours and learn how to count carbohydrates to plan meals and control blood glucose levels. This class is great for everyone and especially for those who take rapid acting insulin for meals or use an insulin pump.

“Individual Appointments” - The individual appointment focusses upon the specific needs of the individual. It may include insulin initiation and adjustment, CHO counting, using insulin to CHO ratio and a Correction factor, and insulin pump starts, etc.

“Diabetes in Pregnancy” - We also offer individual appointments and small group sessions for women with diabetes in pregnancy and gestational diabetes. The diabetes team is here to support Moms throughout their pregnancy.

“Capillary A1c Clinic” - Open to all age groups and is held every second Tuesday of each month. Please bring your current lab requisition and check in at the lab before proceeding to the Diabetes Education Centre. Results will be forwarded to your doctor.

“Drop-in Clinic” - Opens every Tuesday 11:00 – 12:00 and all are welcome.

Comox Valley Diabetes Education Centre th 307A – 14 Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 6P5 Tel: 250 339 1568 Fax: 250 890 3008 Email: diabetes@sjghcomox.ca Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.

PATIENT cARE – clINIcAl NUTRITION

Registered Dietitians provide nutrition and diet therapy services for both in-patient and out-patient clients. All in-patients are screened on a daily basis to determine priority of visitation. Food Service Supervisors are also available for assistance with meal choices. The out-patient dietitian offers individual and group sessions for a wide range of conditions such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, etc. Contact the Nutritional Services Department Dietitian at 250-890-3022 for further information.

PATIENT cARE – SENIORS NURSE cONSUlTANT

The Seniors Nurse Consultant (SNC) specializes in the care of older adults with geriatric syndromes such as: delirium, depression, dementia, dehydration, malnutrition, urinary incontinence, pain, constipation, sleep problems, falls, de-conditioning and immobility.

Initially, the SNC will assess admitted seniors at risk in acute care and develop an acute care plan to prevent and minimize the geriatric syndromes. This care planning for seniors at risk is expected to become part of usual practice freeing up the SNC to provide expertise to complex seniors care cases.

The SNC will work collaboratively with pre-existing interdisciplinary teams to ensure the best care outcome for the client and family.

RESIDENTIAl SERVIcES – ThE VIEWS

The Views at St. Joseph’s Hospital provides Residential, Complex Care Services to members of our community who can no longer live independently. These beds are accessed through referral to Home and Community Services.

Made up of two units--Eagleview (67 beds) and Oceanview (50 beds)--The Views offers private, semi-private and standard four bed rooms. A respite room is also available for short-term stays.

As the names describe, the natural setting and spectacular views offered is unsurpassed!

Person Centered Care allows for individualized care plans with a focus on choice and family involvement. Residents are attended by their own personal physician. Services also include assessment, daily care, professional nursing services, recreation/activation programs, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Music Therapy, Spiritual Care, Hairdressing, Nutritional, Dental and Social Services.

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A Resident and Family Handbook is available from reception as well as on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Website at (http://www.sjghcomox.ca/extended_care.php). It contains useful information for prospective residents and their family members who are also welcome to contact The Views for an informational tour.

hOSPIcE AT ThE VIEWS The Hospice at The Views is a unique partnership between the Comox Valley Hospice Society, Island Health and St. Joseph’s General Hospital. This four bed residential hospice unit opened in July 2015 and sits adjacent to The Views. A long desired service for our community, St. Joseph’s is pleased to offer palliative patients and their families a peaceful home like environment while a trained care team provides end of life care. how to contact Us You can contact us in a number of ways:   

Chaplain: 250-339-1531, or local 61531.

Or simply ask a nurse or at the desk for us.

Spiritual Care is available through a 24-hour on-call service accessed through the Nursing staff.

Our Reflection "Our distinctive vocation in Christian health care is not so much to heal better or more efficiently than anyone else; it is to bring comfort to people by giving them an experience that will strengthen their confidence in life. The ultimate goal of our care is to give those who are ill, through our care, a reason to hope."

- Joseph Cardinal Berna

PATIENT cARE – EmERGENcY DEPARTmENT (ED)

The hospital's front line is the ED where patients arrive either walking or on a stretcher, with conditions as varied as sprained thumbs to heart attacks.

Physicians and nurses are there ready to help at any time of the day or night. Patients are “triaged”—sorted—on a priority level, Level 1 being to be seen immediately; Level 5 is able to wait for a period of time.

Designed primarily for patients requiring immediate treatment, the ED cares for incoming patients on a priority basis. That being said, as of May 1, 2012 we have developed a process of “Streaming.” The patients seen in this “Streaming” are patients who present for care that are not of a critical nature, however, require care. The goal of the streaming area is to decrease wait times and provide high-quality care for our patients. The remainder of the department will continue to care for the sicker more acute patients as usual.

Meeting the needs of our community is our priority; we currently see approximately 24,000 people per year through this department. The ED is equipped with modern monitoring and treatment equipment.

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In the event that you might one day find yourself in the Emergency Department, always carry a list of your current medications and allergies with you as well as your B.C. Care Card. It is important to not eat or drink anything without discussing with your nurse or doctor first. Also, do not leave the department without notifying a nurse.

PATIENT cARE – INTENSIVE cARE UNIT (IcU) AND TElEmETRY UNIT (TElE) For patients with life threatening conditions, the ICU and Tele offer a high ratio of staffing in a setting that features a variety of modern monitoring and treatment equipment, close at hand.

Both nursing and physician care are provided 24 hours a day.

The Telemetry Unit is located adjacent to the ICU and provides specialized care to patients who require cardiac monitoring or other higher levels of care than they would receive on the regular medical or surgical ward.

Patients and their families are considered essential members of the health care team. While having visitors is encouraged, the number of people welcomed at the bedside at any one time in ICU will be determined and regulated in collaboration with the patient, family and the inter-professional care team. Visiting guidelines are intended to provide our patients the time they need to heal and to help us reduce the risk of infection. The hospital also recommends that patients and relatives limit the number of visitors themselves, to permit the much needed rest that promotes recovery. Only two visitors per patient are generally recommended. Children under 14 years of age must be supervised by an adult who is not the patient are welcome.

Telemetry patients in 319 share a room, so visitor guidelines/restrictions must include consideration of the needs and conditions of other patients and families in the room. Typically, we recommend only two visitors at the bedside at any given time and for short periods only.

To promote patient privacy and confidentiality during our shift change at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., we may close patient doors and limit visitor traffic through the ICU nursing station between 6:45 8:00 in the morning and the evening. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

ICU visitors exit to the RIGHT out of the elevator, then turn LEFT down the hall and must ring the buzzer at the ICU door and wait for the staff to answer the door to allow them inside. Telemetry visitors exit to the LEFT out of the elevator, then turn RIGHT after the nursing station and may enter room 319 directly through the doorway from the hallway.

Due to the importance of controlling infection and the limited space, flowers are not permitted in the ICU. No food, other than the hospital diet is allowed without prior discussion with staff.

Patients are often moved within the hospital so please check at the Admitting Desk prior to coming up to visit.

St. Joseph's recommends that families choose one person to be a contact person and leave his or her number with the nursing staff. If there is any change in the patient's condition, the nursing staff will make every effort to contact the designated person, who can relay the information to others.

For security reasons, we recommend most personal belongings be taken home, however, toiletry articles such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and razor (safety or batter-operated) may remain with the patient.

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PATIENT cARE – mATERNITY

The safety of infant and mother is the primary concern, together with the desire to make the birthing process as pleasant and family-centered as possible. The staff will endeavor to accommodate birth plan requests. It is helpful if you have discussed your birth plan with your primary care provider prior to being in labour.

There are three tastefully decorated and fully equipped birthing rooms. If a Cesarean birth is necessary, it is done in one of the hospital's main operating rooms. Once delivery is complete, staff will provide as much time as possible for the new family member to bond with parents. Then the new mother and baby will be transferred to the PostPartum Unit.

Visiting hours:

The average length of stay for maternity patients is 1 – 2 days following a normal delivery; 2 – 3 days following a Cesarean Section. Length of stay can vary depending on individual needs.

Children under 14 years of age must be supervised by an adult who is not the patient are welcome.

Note: for the Maternal/Child Unit, children age 14 and older may visit. Siblings are the only children under 14 who may visit.

A designated support person may visit any time and are encouraged, when possible, to stay in hospital with the mother and new baby.

Expectant mothers should plan ahead (for their arrival at home) by having baby supplies, including car seat and food for family stocked and ready for the next one to two weeks.

Discharge time is 10:00 a.m., and timely transportation should be available.

St. Joseph's recommends that expectant parents complete a course of pre-natal classes offered through Public Health at (250) 331-8520. Pre-natal tours are offered on Fridays at 12:00 noon, dependent on workload in Labour and Delivery. Please confirm around 11:00 a.m. by calling the hospital's main desk at (250) 339-2242.

Pre-admission forms, available from the Patient Registration desk in the main lobby of the Hospital, should be completed ahead of time to avoid admission delays when it is time to come to hospital.

FlOORS – FIRST FlOOR

One of the most diverse areas in the hospital, the first floor accommodates Surgical & Medical Daycare, Outpatient Clinic, Orthopedic Clinic, and Endoscopy Clinic. The First Floor Inpatient Unit can be found adjacent to the Surgical Daycare Unit. The patients found on this unit are generally admitted medical-surgical patients who require a longer hospital stay.

PATIENT cARE - AmBUlATORY cARE

Surgical and medical Daycare

Our services allow our patients to receive treatment and/or have procedures performed that do not require admission or an overnight stay greater than 23 hours. This is a benefit to the patient by minimizing disruption to home and/or work. Nurses offer patients/caregivers support and direction before, during and following treatment and on discharge, follow-up education and instructions are given to ensure a successful outcome in the home setting. Normally, patients are

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able to be discharged within 23 hours or less. In order to maintain privacy for our patients, friends/family members/care givers providing support and/or transportation are welcome to wait in the daycare waiting room, in the lobby or in the cafeteria.

In the Surgical Daycare Unit, the family/caregiver may remain with the patient, particularly if she (he) is a young adult or requires additional support. Patients that require attention following discharge should contact their surgeon and/or family physician, go to the local walk-in clinic, call Health Link BC at 8-1-1, or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

The Medical Daycare Unit provides outpatient intravenous antibiotics and medications, blood and blood product transfusions, phlebotomies, minor procedures and any other medication or treatment that can be done in this setting.

Outpatient and Orthopedic clinic

Minor procedures, post-operative follow-ups and consultations are seen in these clinics by family physicians and specialists in urological orthopedic, surgical and dermatological care.

Endoscopy clinic

To evaluate, investigate and treat the gastrointestinal tract by using an endoscope (an instrument that is inserted directly into the upper or lower bowel) or into the esophagus (gastroscope).

Skilled and experienced registered nurses and endoscopists ensure professional and safe quality care pre-, intra- and post-procedure.

cataracts

This outpatient unit is found on the second floor and provides safe care (removal of the natural lens of the eye that has become cloudy and has made it difficult to see out of) for cataract surgeries within a surgical environment.

Eye clinic

Consultations, follow-up and minor procedures are done in this clinic by the ophthalmologists.

colposcopy

This clinic provides advanced screening for malignancies of the cervix, which until recently was the most common cancer in B.C. women. As a result of this screening p r o g r a m , t he disease has now been reduced to only the third most common cancer in B.C. women as early treatment of abnormal cells can prevent the development of cancer. In conjunction with a regular physical examination and Pap test, this procedure can assist with early and accurate diagnosis.

Colposcopy in British Columbia is as advanced as anywhere in the world; and because of this technology, B.C. has one of the lowest incidence and death rates in the world from cervical cancer. With the introduction of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil), which protects against the types of human papilloma virus that cause approximately 70% of all cervical cancers, it is expected that the rate of cervical cancer will decrease (see Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca).

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The Colposcopy Clinic is supported by a very friendly group of women from the Hospital Auxiliary, by a skilled, experienced registered nurse and gynecologists. The clinic is accessed by referral from your attending physician.

PATIENT cARE - PAEDIATRIcS

Family centered care is practiced on our pediatric unit. At the heart of family centered care is the belief that family and health care providers are partners, working together to best meet the needs of your child. We honour the strengths, cultures, religions, traditions, expertise and knowledge that everyone brings to the partnership.

St. Joseph’s encourages parents to care for their child while on the ward as much as they wish.

The nurses will provide all nursing care required, but will also respect a parent’s time with their child.

Parents and families of sick children often have specific stressors and concerns about their child and may require special support and understanding. Nursing staff, Doctors, Social Work and Pastoral Care are available to assist by answering questions or providing emotional support.

Nursing staff will work to assist parents and families to promote timely discharge from hospital.

A pamphlet called “Pediatric Family Services” is available; please ask for it. Referral centers for Pediatrics include the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and B.C. Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Visiting hours:

Open visiting hours for parents, siblings and other relatives.

FlOORS – SEcOND FlOOR – TRANSITIONAl cARE UNIT

The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) is a 22 bed activation, assessment and rehabilitation unit.

Patients are encouraged and supported to develop their full potential in independence and mobility so that they can make plans for discharge from hospital.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports a “Home First” philosophy which emphasizes the importance and value of staying at home with whatever supports are needed to provide safety and enhance quality of life. These may include private or government sponsored home care, meals on wheels and other services.

The TCU works alongside Home and Community Care to determine the best resources possible.

All the patients on the TCU are classified as either “Alternate Level of Care” or “Rehabilitation Slow Stream,” meaning they are medically stable and no longer in need of acute medical or surgical care as provided on other units within the hospital. They do, however, continue to need support while transitioning to their home or other community resources including assisted living or residential care.

An Activity Aide, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Rehab Aide and a Social Worker along with nursing and care aid staff, provide additional treatment and support to patients to assist them to strengthen and regain their ability to perform all the necessary activities of daily living.

To facilitate a move to home, patients are dressed in their regular clothing. It would be very helpful to ensure that patient’s clothing is labeled with their name to ensure their personal articles do not get lost.

Family members are seen as part of the team and we encourage families to visit their loved ones and participate in care as circumstances permit. This may include helping your loved one eat, filling out menu forms, participating in activities or simply being present with them.

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SURGIcAl UNIT – ThIRD FlOOR

This 22 bed unit with three overcapacity beds is dedicated to inpatient orthopedic, general, and urological surgical patients. Medical patients (palliative, chronic and acute) may also be admitted to this unit as space permits.

Working as a team, the registered nurses and licensed practical nurses work closely with the physicians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to provide the care and support needed to facilitate healing, remobilization and timely discharge. The staff follows a multidisciplinary approach, involving the various hospital professionals and the community (home care nursing and home support) to assist with effective and timely discharges.

mEDIcAl UNIT – FIRST & ThIRD FlOOR There are 11 beds located on the First Floor and 17 beds located on Third Floor.

Care is provided on the Medical Unit for patients requiring treatment of medical illness, frail elderly and palliative patients.

Working as a team, the registered nurses and licensed practical nurses work closely with the physicians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to provide the care and support needed to facilitate healing, remobilization and timely discharge. The staff follows a multidisciplinary approach, involving the various hospital professionals and the community (home care nursing and home support) to assist with effective and timely discharges. Both acute and chronic care is provided including the special needs of palliative patients.

PATIENT cARE - ONcOlOGY

Mission Statement “A multidisciplinary team to provide the highest quality of care, closer to home, for patients and their families living with cancer. To provide a compassionate environment, always acknowledging their dignity as physical, psychological and spiritual beings.”

The Cancer Care Unit serves the Comox Valley and on occasion, patients from as far as Port Alberni and Port Hardy. Staffed with chemotherapy certified nurses, this department treats more than 1,500 patients annually. We have one internal medicine physician with a specialty in hematology and three general physicians with a specialty in chemotherapy for the adult population whilst two pediatricians care for children and young adults under the auspices of B.C. Children’s Hospital. Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists and professionals from B.C. Children’s Hospital and B.C. Cancer Agencies in Vancouver, Victoria and the lower mainland of B.C. form a professional extension of the main B.C. Cancer Agency. Visit our department for information you may not have found in this handbook or contact a chemotherapy certified R.N. by calling us at (250) 339-1466.

TElEhEAlTh Telehealth allows you to consult with your out-of-town health care provider using a television screen or computer monitor, video camera and microphone, which operate over a secure network. This permits you and your health care provider to visit as if you were both in the same room. Telehealth allows you to connect to your health care provider in BC or in other parts of Canada (for example, Alberta and Ontario).

Telehealth is available in many communities across British Columbia. BC’s Health Authorities work together to provide a broad range of health care services using Telehealth. Programs offered in your area may include:

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• • •

Cancer Genetic Counseling Home Care

• • •

Mental Health/Psychiatry Thoracic Wound Care

If you feel the Telehealth session does not meet your health care needs, you may end the session and schedule a face-to-face appointment with your health care provider.

mAmmOGRAPhY ScREENING As with Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope for Cancer, this beautiful quilt at St. Joseph’s Hospital signifies HOPE for breast cancer diagnosis and survival.

The Mammography Section of our Diagnostic Imaging Department is extremely proud of the symbol of commitment that this quilt represents. This commitment is a joint effort between our Mammography Program and our Breast Health Volunteer Group. We offer this joint commitment to the women of the Comox Valley in the hope that we will make an early diagnosis of all breast cancers so that the women who are diagnosed will survive. We applaud and thank Nora Lewis for her creativity and design.

Along with the Screening Mammography Program of B.C., we advocate for the three cornerstones of breast health: regular breast self-examination, regular mammography and an annual physical examination by a physician.

All women between the ages of 40 and 74 with a first degree relative with breast cancer are eligible to participate annually in the Screening Program of B.C. It is recommended that women between the ages of 50 - 74 without a family history of breast cancer participate biennially unless they have new symptoms. This service is available to women without a visit to their physician and can be accessed by phoning the Screening booking clerk at (250) 890-3020 or by calling toll free 1-800-663-9203. We have been offering the program at St. Joseph's Hospital since 1998 and are pleased that, as well as the examination, we provide a fast tracking reporting system that reduces the reporting time if an abnormality is found.

Since 1998, we have seen approximately 6,300 women annually which represents only about 30% of the eligible women.

We encourage more women to participate as early detection is the key to survival of a breast cancer.

Breast cancer will affect one in nine women in Canada, and one in 28 will die of the disease. The best way to detect breast cancer early is through regular screening mammograms. Research has shown a 25 percent reduction in deaths amongst women who have regular screening.

Please admire our beautiful quilt when you come for your mammogram.

PATIENT cARE – REhABIlITATION SERVIcES Rehabilitation team members provide individual therapy programs with a focus on function and ability. A collaborative team approach which encompasses patients and families is used to develop individual rehabilitation goals and discharge plans.

The Rehabilitation Team includes: Physiotherapist - Evaluates each patient's physical status and collaboratively develops individualized therapy programs to improve strength, muscle tone, coordination and mobility using therapeutic exercise and equipment.

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Occupational Therapist - Works with patients who have difficulty with daily activities.

Occupational Therapists assist people to become more independent. They assess a patient's safety, memory and ability to complete tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking, transportation, etc. They offer recommendations for special items like wheelchairs, pressure garments, splints and bathroom equipment.

Rehabilitation Assistant - Works under the supervision of the Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist to provide individual or group therapy programs.

Speech and language Pathologist - No Speech and Language Pathologist is on staff; patients are referred to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Speech Language Pathologist.

Outpatient Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services can be accessed with a physician's referral. Priority is given to inpatients with complex orthopedic and neurologic rehab needs discharged from St Joseph’s General Hospital.

PATIENT cARE – PSYchIATRY/mENTAl hEAlTh AND SUBSTANcE USE SERVIcES St Joseph’s is designated under the provincial Mental Health Act as a psychiatric/mental health facility. To provide such treatment services, the hospital offers five Psychiatry/Mental Health Services: the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit, Crisis Response Services, Withdrawal Management Services Program, Adult Group Therapy Program and Adolescent Outpatient Services.

Additionally, the hospital partners with Island Health Authority’s North Island Seniors Health Program providing the Seniors Mental Health service.

Visiting hours on the inpatient unit are 24 hours a day according to patient preference.

The Inpatient Psychiatry Unit has two programs: 18 acute care beds and four intensive psychiatric care beds. The units have an inter-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapist and recreational therapist to work together to meet the treatment need of each patient. Discharge planning includes connecting the patient to the community supports needed upon return home.

crisis Services is a community outreach program available seven days/week for persons in mental health crisis whether the person is in the community or has come to the hospital’s emergency department. The Crisis Nurse helps the patient stabilize the crisis and assists in connecting them to community resources they may need on an on-going basis.

Withdrawal management Services offers assessment, intervention and referral for persons requiring help with issues related to withdrawal from their use of drugs and/or alcohol. The service helps people connect with the appropriate medical and social support they need, including access to detoxification beds in the community or on the island.

The Adult Group Therapy Program provides outpatient group therapy programs for the treatment of difficulties that may have resulted from trauma, depression or anxiety. Patients may be referred by their family doctor or from Mental Health and Substance Services (MHSU) community services.

The Adolescent Outpatient Services provides intervention for adolescents experiencing serious psychiatric difficulties, such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, or thought disorders. The service commonly sees adolescents where the psychiatric disorder co-occurs with a medical illness or with substance abuse. The service accepts referrals for therapy from family physicians and directly from families. Caregivers or school personnel may also phone to facilitate referrals on behalf of teens and their families. This service plays an important role in suicide risk awareness and prevention in the adolescent population.

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North Island Seniors health is an integrated Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Psychiatry Program with two specialist GPs in Care of the Elderly, a Geriatrician, two Geriatric Psychiatrists, Nurses, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Senior Nurse Consultant to the Emergency Department. The program responds to the needs of clients for urgent (rapidly declining situations) and transition care.

The program provides:  comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment and treatment for patients/clients in homes/facilities and in hospital to maximize mind and body function and prevent deconditioning.  care/treatment/planning support to patients/clients/family wherever care is taking place including rehabilitation, medication reviews, and recommendations for monitoring function and safety and linkages to community supports.  ongoing specialty collaborative care management of patients/clients with severe and/or persistent mental illness including addictions.  care capacity building with family, other health professionals, agencies and service providers by working collaboratively on patient/client cases over time.

PATIENT cARE - SURGERY

For most people, the operating rooms are the scene of much more activity than they ever see.

Most of the action takes place when they're asleep, under anaesthetic.

The process begins when patients are wheeled through the big, green, restricted-access doors on the first floor. In the holding area, a nurse goes through a checklist of questions with the patient about allergies, any recent eating or drinking, if he/she understands the pending surgery to be done. The anesthesiologist will also interview the patient in the holding area. The surgeon will greet the patient and mark the side of surgery as applicable.

A few minutes later, the patient is wheeled or walked, if able, to one of the three operating rooms and transferred to the operating table (bed). It's narrow, so the surgeon can easily reach his/her work, and has a safety strap that goes over the patient's knees, holding him/her steady.

Next, nurses will put gel padding under the elbows, a heart monitor (ECG) on the chest, a blood-pressure cuff on the arm, and a pulse monitor on the finger.

Before the patient goes into the theater, if they have not been seen in the Anaesthetic Consult Clinic, the anaesthetist (a physician who specializes in giving anaesthesia) interviews the patient regarding present health, medications, allergies and previous anaesthesia. This information will assist him/her in determining the most suitable anaesthesia for the operation. For almost everyone, sleep comes easily with the anaesthetic. After what seems the wink of an eye, patients gradually wake up in the post-anaesthetic recovery room, with the assistance of specially trained nurses.

In some cases, doctors choose to keep the patient awake, using a spinal block, an epidural or local anaesthetic. If appropriate, such patients can have music played for relaxation.

Youngsters facing anaesthetic can bring along a favorite toy or blanket for comfort. With the approval of the anaesthetist and surgeon, a parent may be present in the operating theatre to reassure a child prior to surgery. Parents can also make needle pricks less painful for children by applying a numbing cream (available from drug stores).

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For pain management, staff can administer pain medication, or a patient-controlled 'push button' analgesia is available, providing a carefully calculated dosage. Other comfort (or pain relief) can come from application of hot or cold, relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing exercises), and/or distraction (music, massage, etc.)

All patients anticipating surgery should have had a cleansing bath, remove nail polish and all make-up. This helps operating room staff who closely monitor the color of face and fingernails, while watching for circulation problems.

lABORATORY SERVIcES Laboratory tests are an important tool used by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients.

For convenience, St. Joseph's has three locations where members of the public may go to have necessary specimens collected or ECG’s performed: • • •

Hospital, (left side of the main lobby, just as you come through the main doors) 307-A 14th Street in Courtenay at Cliffe Avenue Cumberland Satellite Lab (in Cumberland Health Centre) 2696 Windermere

The specimens are either processed at the hospital site, or sent to other centers for specialty testing. The results, compiled with a high degree of accuracy, reliability and speed, are reported back to the physician who can then use the information for diagnosis and treatment.

The laboratories provide testing services in Biochemistry (blood chemicals), Hematology (red blood cells), Immunology (immune system and blood banking), Microbiology (bacterial infections), Urinalysis (chemicals in urine), and Histology (examination by a pathologist of tissues removed from body). Various blood products are also available from the Laboratory for transfusions.

No appointments are necessary for bloodwork and all labs operate on a first come, first served basis. lab locations & hours:

cUmBERlAND hEAlTh cENTRE 2696 Windermere Avenue Monday – Friday - 7:30 am - 11:00 am Phone: 250-331-8505 (Ext 68577) Fax: 250-331-8578 ST. JOSEPh'S GENERAl hOSPITAl lABORATORY 2137 Comox Avenue Monday – Friday - 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Phone: 250-339-1451 Fax: 250-339-1596 (Free Parking for our Laboratory Patients. Inquire with Lab Reception desk on arrival)

ST. JOSEPh'S cOURTENAY lABORATORY 307-A 14th St. at Cliffe Avenue Monday – Friday - 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Phone: 250-890-3042 Fax: 250-890-3005

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SJGh cARDIOlOGY / PUlmONARY SERVIcES The Cardio Pulmonary Department provides testing in Electro Diagnostics (electronic monitoring of the heart) and Pulmonary Function (lung capacity and efficiency) testing.

No appointments are necessary for ECG’s and we operate on a first come, first served basis.

Outpatient ECG testing is also available at the Cumberland and Courtenay Laboratory locations noted above.

The Cardio Pulmonary Department books appointments for Holter / Event Monitoring (devices which measure / record heartbeats over 24 hours or more), 24 hour blood pressure monitoring and Pulmonary Function testing on referral from your physician. cARDIO PUlmONARY DEPARTmENT 2137 Comox Avenue Monday – Friday – 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Saturday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Phone: 250-890-3701 Fax: 250-339-1410

DIAGNOSTIc ImAGING/mEDIcAl ImAGING

Doctors can determine much from symptoms and physical examinations. In many cases, the evidence from a peek inside the body can make a dramatic difference in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Such inside views come from the General Radiology and Ultrasound facilities in St. Joseph’s General Hospital which serve the entire Comox Valley region. CT Scans (Computerized Tomography) and a mobile MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are also available by appointment at the request of your physician.

Examinations can only be done with a written order/request from the attending physician.

Patients booked to have Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or Fluoroscopy examinations should follow carefully the preparation instructions they receive from the booking office with their appointment date.

NUclEAR mEDIcINE

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that has been around since the 1950s. It uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity of or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological disorders and other abnormalities within the body.

Because nuclear medicine procedures are able to pinpoint molecular activity within the body, they offer the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages as well as a patient’s immediate response to therapeutic interventions.

Nuclear medicine procedures are noninvasive and, with the exception of intravenous injections, are usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose and evaluate medical conditions.

These imaging scans use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers.

With ordinary x-ray examinations, an image is made by passing x-rays through the body from an outside source. In contrast, nuclear medicine procedures use the radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer, which is injected into your bloodstream, swallowed (liquid or capsule) or inhaled as a gas. This radioactive material accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined, where it gives off a small amount of energy in the form of gamma rays.

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A gamma camera, PET scanner, or probe, detects this energy and with the help of a computer creates digital pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues in your body.

Unlike other imaging techniques, nuclear medicine imaging exams focus on depicting physiologic processes within the body, such as rates of metabolism or levels of various other chemical activities, instead of only showing anatomy and structure.

hEAlTh REcORDS

The Health Records Department is responsible for maintaining all health records created in St. Joseph's Hospital.

The health record is a collection of all the pertinent facts of the patient's life and health history. Lab results, radiology findings, pharmacy information and reports from care providers are all included in a patient's health record. It is used to provide continuing care and as a data collection tool to provide statistics and information to patients, physicians, insurance companies and other authorized bodies. Health records can be paper based, electronically generated, or a combination of both.

The Transcription department plays an integral role by converting spoken reports by physicians and other healthcare professionals into written or electronic text documents; thus ensuring completeness of the patient’s electronic medical record.

We are committed and legally bound by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to protect your privacy. We will treat your personal information confidentially; only use and share it for authorized purposes and securely store and protect it. The Health Record Department’s staff is trained in how to protect your privacy and keep your personal information confidential within a paper based or electronic health record.

Effective October 17, 2012, St Joseph’s joined the Cerner system through Island Health which is an important first step in the development of a paperless, electronic health record. The electronic health record is privacy and security protected, reviewed for completeness and stored to support ongoing patient care and other authorized access across the entire Vancouver Island.

You or your authorized representative can request access to or copies of your health record by completing the Request for Access to Records form. You can either fill out a Request Form for the Release of Patient Records, available on the internet (www.sjghcomox.ca), from the Health Records Information Office, or make your request in a letter, and submit it to the Release of Information Coordinator at the Health Information Office. An access request is a written request by an individual applying to obtain copies of health records held by St. Joseph’s General Hospital. The request must clearly specify the records and time frame being sought and, if applicants acting on behalf of another individual, provide written proof of the authority to make the request. Under FIPPA, you will receive a response within 30 business days from the date we receive the request. You are entitled to receive a copy of your health record for free, however, fees may apply for special processing of your request, e.g., courier fees, special delivery or other processing fees.

Health Records personnel also transcribe accurate health record reports dictated by physicians and other health care professionals.

The Health Records office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

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SOcIAl WORK

The Social Work Department serves to facilitate the adjustment of patients and their families to the social, emotional and economic consequences of illness. The Social Worker aids in planning for discharge, offers counselling and advocacy services, prepares psycho-social histories, completes referrals to appropriate agencies, and liaises with various local, regional and outside resources for the purpose of supporting patient needs.

WITNESSING DOcUmENTS/cOmmISSIONER OF OAThS

The hospital has two administrative personnel who are Commissioner of Oaths and are available to witness documents. Please contact Administration to arrange for an appointment if you or your family member requires this service.

NUTRITIONAl SERVIcES

Preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner for over 250 people per meal with many special diets may seem a daunting task but not to the staff in St. Joseph's Nutritional Services Department. Their challenge, met daily, is to provide appealing fare that is filled with the nutrients that boost healing yet keep within budget constraints.

On the wards and in The Views, breakfast is served between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., lunch between 11:45 am. and 12:30 p.m., and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. The department also provides between-meal snacks for patients and residents who require them. Each ward has a kitchenette which is stocked daily with juice, milk, tea, coffee, cookies and crackers for patient use. Menus are delivered to patients daily for food selection.

Hospital Cafeteria

Visitors are welcome to the Sisters Cafe on the ground floor. Take the elevator to "0." Turn right, then right again. Hours are as follows:

NOTE: hours are subject to change

monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Short Order and Sandwich Bar open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Dinner served from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Short Order is closed Salads, sandwiches, soups and snack items are available seven days a week.

Weekly menus located in the elevators *clOSED ON STATUTORY hOlIDAYS* Prices are very competitive and transactions are cash or debit card.

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ENVIRONmENTAl SERVIcES

Environmental Services include a number of support service activities. Under its umbrella are the following:

Building Security Systems 

Includes security cameras, door monitors, patient wandering system, 24-hour security staff, fire and smoke detectors.

housekeeping Services 

Includes general cleaning, floor care, bed making, storage of equipment, furnishings and records, room set-up for meetings and special events, in-hospital moves. Special cleaning processes are needed for certain rooms due to the nation-wide issue with antibiotic resistant bacteria, and for other communicable diseases such as TB, chickenpox in accordance with the VIHA Infection Control Manual.

Industrial First Aid 

Selected staff are trained as Level 2 First Aid Attendants for supporting injured staff or injuries due to biohazards or sharps.

linen and laundry Services 

Includes sewing, sorting linens, including resident clothing from The Views. The majority of laundry is done at the Cumberland Laundry which serves healthcare facilities across the North Island.

Waste management 

Includes recycling, garbage removal, disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.

Physical Plant 

Includes operation of the building and building systems, i.e., heating, air conditioning, electrical, gas, water, telephone, paging, medical gases and life safety systems.

maintenance 



Includes repair and maintenance of the building and grounds and all fixed and mobile equipment not specifically used for diagnostics or treatment, but including sterilization, food production and laundry equipment.

Includes supply of medical gases and maintaining of building systems.

Transportation Services 

Buses (wheelchair accessible) are available for the Views to take residents on outings.

The Auxiliary purchased a bus in 2012 through a fund-raising campaign.

capital Projects



Renovations, refurbishing of rooms and equipment.

STERIlE PROcESSING DEPARTmENT

This department has the responsibility of providing supplies and equipment that have been processed in a way that prevents the spread of infection and disease. The Sterile Processing Department uses approved methods of sterilization to sterilize instruments, thereby protecting both patients and staff from infectious micro-organisms.

Sterilization standards are as high at St Joseph's as at any hospital in Canada, since Sterile Processing meets or exceeds levels set by the Canadian Standards Association.

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PhARmAcY

Provides inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy under the direction of the B.C. Cancer Agency and Internal Medicine specialists/ General Practitioners in Oncology. Clinical Pharmacists work to ensure that all prescribed medications are appropriate.

Key quality and safety initiatives in the hospital have Pharmacists on the working groups and teams. The hospital works closely with Island Health and the Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with Accreditation Canada “Required Organizational Practices” on such projects as antimicrobial stewardship, prevention of venous thromboembolism (clots), bridging of oral and injectable anticoagulation (blood thinning) therapy and medication reconciliation (ensuring the right medications are being prescribed and taken correctly).

The Pharmacy fills 126,000+ prescriptions every year. The electronic health record Pharmacy component, called PharmNet, was implemented at the hospital in late October 2012 and is a welcome tool to promote efficient, safe, high quality provision of Pharmacy services.

BIO mEDIcAl / INFORmATION SYSTEmS

Biomedical Engineering

The Biomedical Engineering Department provides management and technical support services to the Hospital’s clinical technological environment, with a view to maximizing safety, effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of patient care.

Information Systems

St. Joseph’s Hospital is part of the Island Health’s computer network. We share common clinical and non-clinical information systems. The St. Joseph’s Hospital Information Systems Department, as well as the Island Health IM/IT Department, provides technical support services for the Hospital’s Management Information Systems. These shared services include pre-purchase evaluation of computer systems and peripherals, computer support services, network planning and implementation, software evaluation, acquisition and support, plus network administration. Island Health IM/IT and St. Joseph’s IT team share the responsibility for the reliability, responsiveness and security of our networks. St. Joseph’s Hospital and Island Health IM/IT work on common goals of promoting higher efficiency, economy, confidentiality and functionality of our Management Information Systems.

Other Support Services

    

Purchasing/materials management, which ensures a continuous flow of supplies to the Hospital so that the right materials are delivered to the right place at the right time.

Finance, which looks after payables, receivables and financial reporting. human Resources, responsible for staff recruitment, employee relations and administration of the payroll. quality and Risk management, which encompasses infection control, staff education, risk management and quality service, and Administration, which oversees the operation of the Hospital.

ABORIGINAl hEAlTh

St. Joseph’s commits to care with compassion in an atmosphere of cultural safety. We have an Aboriginal Liaison Nurse on staff. She can advocate on your behalf and help you with:  

Discharge planning and communication with community contacts Understanding health care issues 28

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   

Support for you and your family during a hospital stay Accessing Non-Insured Health Benefits as needed (NTC / ITHA) Referrals to community services Referral to Spiritual Care, if desired

As an Aboriginal patient, you have a right to:

         

Be cared for in a respectful, dignified and culturally safe manner by competent health care professionals.

Privacy and confidentiality of your health information.

Be consulted and actively participate in decisions about your health care.

Request access to the information in your health record.

Be acknowledged as an individual.

Ask questions about your health care.

Freedom from verbal, physical and sexual abuse, or neglect.

Refuse to have students, residents and other training present during your appointment or examination.

Get a second opinion from another doctor.

Refuse treatment, unless you have a serious communicable disease that could harm other people such as TB or Syphilis.

ISlAND mEDIcAl PROGRAm

The Island Medical Program (IMP), based at the University of Victoria, was established in 2004 as part of a unique provincial plan to increase the number of new physicians in British Columbia and to encourage them to establish their practices in under-served areas of the province. The IMP is one of four distinct geographical sites of the distributed UBC MD Undergraduate Program.

Other sites include the Northern Medical Program at UNBC, the Southern Medical Program at UBC-Okanagan and the Vancouver Fraser Medical Program at UBC-Vancouver.

The distributed UBC MD Undergraduate Program was the first of its kind in North America and has become a model for similar efforts elsewhere. The IMP is proud to be part of this successful program.

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INDEX OF SUPPORTING ADVERTISERS St. Joseph’s General Hospital would like to thank the many local businesses/sponsors who made this Patient Care Directory possible for our patients. Please take a moment to review the following advertisements. You will find an excellent variety of services which may be helpful to you during or following your hospital stay.

accommodations Holiday Inn Express & Suites..................................................................................... 31 Inn on Long Lake........................................................................................................ 33

funeral homes Piercy’s Mt. Washington Funeral Home..................................................................... 34 Toneff Funeral Services.............................................................................................. 31

home healthcare equipment Tupper Home Health Care Ltd................................................................................... 35

hotels Holiday Inn Express & Suites..................................................................................... 31 Inn on Long Lake........................................................................................................ 33

medical alarms Comox Valley Lifeline Society..................................................................................... 31

nursing Nurse Next Door Home Care Services...................................................................... 32

orthotics B.D. Mitchell Prosthetic & Orthotic Services Ltd........................................................ 33

prosthetics B.D. Mitchell Prosthetic & Orthotic Services Ltd........................................................ 33

scooters Tupper Home Health Care Ltd................................................................................... 35

Transportation Assistance A Little Lift................................................................................................................... 31

van lifts Tupper Home Health Care Ltd................................................................................... 35

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Toneff Funeral ServiceS Where your Family comes first

COMOX VALLEY 2200 Cliffe Avenue Courtenay , BC

1.778.225.0010 www.hiexpress.com/ courtenayse

Meaningful fune ral servic es and c e remo nies.

Dedicated to serving the families of Vancouver Island for over 20 Years.

Please call the hotel directly at

778-225-0010 and quote

Locally Owned and Operated by

Medical Rate “ILSDQ”

Eric TonEff

* Subject to availability and taxes

250-338-4463 #1A-204 North Island Highway Courtenay, BC

www.tonefffunerals.com Comox Valley’s First Personalized Service for Seniors

HELPING YOU LIVE MORE INDEPENDENTLY

We provide Personalized Transportation to: • Appointments/ Errands • Companionship • Exercise See our website for more details and testimonials.

• Continue living in the comfort of your own home.

• Get prompt, caring assistance at the touch of a button—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

• Enjoy increased peace of mind for you and your family.

Affordable Rates!

Call work 250-890-0636

cell

Call Lifeline Now!

250-898-4708

Comox Valley Lifeline Society

www.alittlelift.ca

392 10th Street, Courtenay | T: 250-338-4255 | TF: 1-866-205-6160 w w w. c o m o x v a l l e y l i f e l i n e . c o m

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“

We’re making lives better.

CARING FROM HOSPITAL TO HOME

Let’s first meet you in the hospital for a free Caring Consult to understand your needs. Then we can arrange safe transportation home when it makes sense for you. Once home our 24/7 concierge service can help you access any other resources you need.

Now choose a Pillar of Caring:

Taking Care Attentive visits, delicious meals and light housekeeping.

Enriched Care

Medication management and support with life’s essentials.

Vital Care

Daily, live-in nursing and end-of-life caring.

Call today for a FREE Caring Consult.

Qualicum: 250.752.2597 Comox: 250.336.8606 Campbell River: 250.286.3797

www.nursenextdoor.com

The 4 Moments for Hand Hygiene

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Proud to Support the St. Joseph’s Hospital Free parking Kitchenettes available Pet friendly

Fridge & microwave in every room Continental breakfast included Whirlpool & sauna

Wireless internet Meeting rooms available for up to 45 people

Text “Hotel” to 212121 or visit www.innonlonglake.com/sjh for your daily promotional offer.

Toll Free: 1-800-565-1144 I Tel: 250-758-1144 4700 N. Island Highway (19A) Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 1W6

CERTIFIED PROSTHETISTS, ORTHOTISTS, & PEDORTHISTS

1710A Comox Ave, Comox, BC

• Upper and Lower Limb Prosthetics • Ankle Bracing for stroke, cerebral palsy, sprains, drop foot, arthritis, fractures • Knee Bracing for sports/ligament injuries and arthritis • Spinal Bracing for pain, fractures, scoliosis • Upper Limb Bracing • Custom Foot Orthoses • Orthotic Footwear and Custom Shoes

250-339-2262 or 1-888-754-1441 www.mitchellpando.com

Achieve the freedom, live in comfort

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For more information visit www.dignitymemorial.ca/suttons-campbell-river-funeral-home

Piercy’s Mt.Washington Funeral Home 440 England Ave. | Courtenay, BC | 250-334-4464 Since 1941 Our exceptional funeral and cremation services are designed to help you through one of the most personal and challenging stages of life. We operate the only local crematorium in the Comox Valley.

Please call

250-334-4464

We are committed to helping you with compassionate, professional and personal service.

For more information visit www.dignitymemorial.ca/piercys-mt-washington-funeral-home

Proudly serving Campbell River & the Comox Valley

Notes:

\

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Your “One Stop Shop” for the Physically impaired and the Seniors’ Community.

We are...

everything

print& deslgn

New aNd used scooters power & maNual wheelchairs walkers aNd bathroom aids

Tupper

Home Health Care Ltd.

2300 Cousins Ave. Courtenay

250-338-8873

...if you can THINK it, we can INK it!

Tel.: 613-475-2927 • 800-339-5662

www.tupperhomehealthcare.com tupperhealth@shaw.ca

15681 Hwy 2, Brighton ON K0K 1H0 info@willowpublishing.com www.willowpublishing.com

Improve circulation to your legs and feet, help maintain muscle strength, flexibility and promote healthy bones by exercising regularly.

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