Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Patient & Family Handbook
Welcome Message
Welcome Message
Welcome Message
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, physicians, and volunteers, welcome! As the President and CEO of Huron Health System, I am thrilled to introduce you to Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, where our mission is to ensure everyone receives excellent person-centred care.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, physicians, and volunteers, welcome! As the President and CEO of Huron Health System, I am thrilled to introduce you to Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, where our mission is to ensure everyone receives excellent person-centred care.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, physicians, and volunteers, welcome! As the President and CEO of Huron Health System, I am thrilled to introduce you to Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, where our mission is to ensure everyone receives excellent person-centred care.
We understand that a hospital visit can be challenging for families. That is why we are committed not only to excellent medical care, but also to creating a compassionate and understanding environment. Our team is here to ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way. Whether it is a warm smile from our staff or a listening ear from our physicians, we want to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
We understand that a hospital visit can be challenging for families. That is why we are committed not only to excellent medical care, but also to creating a compassionate and understanding environment. Our team is here to ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way. Whether it is a warm smile from our staff or a listening ear from our physicians, we want to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
We understand that a hospital visit can be challenging for families. That is why we are committed not only to excellent medical care, but also to creating a compassionate and understanding environment. Our team is here to ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way. Whether it is a warm smile from our staff or a listening ear from our physicians, we want to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
After your visit, we invite you to fill out our Patient Experience Survey as your feedback enhances our care. Additionally, feel free to email me at Jimmy.Trieu@amgh.ca or call 519-524-8323 ext. 5711 with any thoughts or concerns.
After your visit, we invite you to fill out our Patient Experience Survey as your feedback enhances our care. Additionally, feel free to email me at Jimmy.Trieu@amgh.ca or call 519-524-8323 ext. 5711 with any thoughts or concerns.
After your visit, we invite you to fill out our Patient Experience Survey as your feedback enhances our care. Additionally, feel free to email me at Jimmy.Trieu@amgh.ca or call 519-524-8323 ext. 5711 with any thoughts or concerns.
Thank you for trusting us with your care.
Thank you for trusting us with your care.
Thank you for trusting us with your care.
Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO
Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO
Jimmy
Trieu, President and CEO
Alexandra Marine and General Hospital 120 Napier Street Goderich ON N7A 1W5
Phone 519Ì524Ì8323
www¤huronhealthsystem¤ca
About Us
About Us
Huron Health System ÀHHSÁ located in Huron County includes
Huron Health System ÀHHSÁ located in Huron County includes
Huron Health System ÀHHSÁ located in Huron County includes Alexandra Marine and General Hospital ÀAMGHÁ in Goderich and South Huron Hospital ÀSHHÁ in Exeter¤ HHS is dedicated to serving rural communities with accessible highÌquality health care¤
Alexandra Marine and General Hospital ÀAMGHÁ in Goderich and South Huron Hospital ÀSHHÁ in Exeter¤ HHS is dedicated to serving rural communities with accessible highÌquality health care¤
Alexandra Marine and General Hospital ÀAMGHÁ in Goderich and South Huron Hospital ÀSHHÁ in Exeter¤ HHS is dedicated to serving rural communities with accessible highÌquality health care¤
AMGH has delivered comprehensive healthcare services for over a century¤ As Huron County¨s largest provider we offer primary and secondary care with 22 beds and 24ª7 emergency services¤ Our hospital also features a 20Ìbed psychiatric unit mental health services across communities and specialized outpatient clinics¤
AMGH has delivered comprehensive healthcare services for over a century¤ As Huron County¨s largest provider we offer primary and secondary care with 22 beds and 24ª7 emergency services¤ Our hospital also features a 20Ìbed psychiatric unit mental health services across communities and specialized outpatient clinics¤
AMGH has delivered comprehensive healthcare services for over a century¤ As Huron County¨s largest provider we offer primary and secondary care with 22 beds and 24ª7 emergency services¤ Our hospital also features a 20Ìbed psychiatric unit mental health services across communities and specialized outpatient clinics¤
Explore the services we offer at AMGH:
Explore the services we offer at AMGH:
Explore the services we offer at AMGH:
Ambulatory Care
Ambulatory Care
Ambulatory Care
Cardiorespiratory
Cardiorespiratory
Cardiorespiratory
Diabetes Education
Diabetes Education
Diabetes Education
Dialysis
Dialysis
Dialysis
Emergency
Emergency
Emergency
InÌPatient Laboratory
InÌPatient Laboratory
InÌPatient Laboratory
Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging
Medicine
Medicine
Medicine
Mental Health Inpatient
Mental Health Inpatient
Mental Health Inpatient
Mental Health Outpatient
Mental Health Outpatient
Mental Health Outpatient
Obstetrics
Obstetrics
Obstetrics
Palliative Care
Palliative Care
Palliative Care
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy
Social Work
Social Work
Social Work
Speech Language Pathology
Speech Language Pathology
Speech Language Pathology
Surgical Services
Surgical Services
Surgical Services
Our Mission
Our Vision
Partnering to provide excellent person-centred care.
A quality-driven healthcare system focused on the changing needs of our communities.
Our Values
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Inclusive
Fostering a culture where differences are valued and collaboration is embraced.
Compassionate
Demonstrating empathy and kindness towards everyone.
Accountable
Following through on our commitments and taking responsibility for the outcomes of our actions.
Respectful
Treating others with thoughtfulness, understanding, and professionalism.
Equitable
Recognizing and working to remove barriers that limit individuals from receiving the care they need.
ö¡ ehace heaxöh caØe. We ha(e achie(ed E4eÍxaØ5 Söadig b5 AccØediöaöi¡ Caada—öhe higheèö a,aØd. We ÍØi¡ØiöiAe c¡öi ¡ è Ô axiö5 iÍØ¡(eeö ad Íaöieö èafeö5, deØèc¡Øig ¡ Ø c¡iöeö ö¡ high-Ô axiö5, Íaöieö-ceöØed caØe.
Donation Hospital Stay Safety & Privacy and Family Experience Survey
Say thank you with a donation
Every donation is a tribute to the compassionate care and support our staff provides¤ Your generosity helps us continue this vital work touching countless lives¤ Each contribution no matter the amount brings comfort and healing to those in need¤ Make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor today by visiting our office, making a phone call, or visiting us online.
Your Hospital Stay
Ontario Health Card
Ontario Health Card
OHIP covers all in-hospital costs except for preferred accommodations and transportation. Without OHIP, you are responsible for all expenses during your stay.
You are responsible for preferred accommodation charges. Check if your additional insurance covers these costs before admission. We will do our best to meet your request, but availability depends on patient needs and space limitations.
Ensure doctors and nurses know all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Bring your medication bottles and a current list with your name, dosage, and frequency.
You may wish to bring a brush, dental care products, shaving products, skin care products, pajamas and slippers.
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Valuable items
Avoid bringing valuables like jewelry, money, and credit/debit cards. If you have them, send them home or inform staff for safekeeping. Label personal items, as the hospital is not liable for lost belongings.
Please do not bring any pillows, blankets or other bedding items.
Entering the Hospital
The front doors to the hospital are open from 6 a¤m¤ to 6 p¤m¤ during the week and are locked on weekends¤ If locked please access the hospital through the Emergency Department entrance¤
Food and Beverages
Meals are served bedside to patients at set times daily accommodating all dietary needs with options for hot or cold meals and beverages¤ For specific requests contact food services staff who will strive to meet your needs¤ Extra fresh fruit and beverages are available upon request¤ For special diets or meal concerns consult the dietitian or food services representative¤
Our cafeteria is located on the lower level of the hospital and is open to staff patients and visitors from 8 a¤m¤ to 630 p¤m¤ to 6 p¤m¤
Breakfast
Cold items and baked goods. 9 a¤m¤ to 1030 a¤m¤
Spiritual Needs
Lunch
Lunch
1130 a¤m¤ to 115 p¤m¤
If you would like clergy services during your stay please let your nurse know¤ They will be happy to arrange this support for you ensuring you receive the spiritual care and comfort you need¤
Mail
Incoming mail is delivered to your room on weekdays¤ Leave outgoing mail at the nursing station¤ Any mail received after discharge will be sent to your home address on record¤
Scent-Free Environment
Please refrain from wearing scented products and avoid bringing strongly scented flowers¤ Strong scents can trigger allergies and respiratory issues so it is important to maintain a comfortable safe space for everyone¤
Patient Whiteboards
Whiteboards at each bedside communicate essential information including the date your doctorÝs and nurseÝs names and mobility assistance needs¤ They also provide reminders for upcoming tests and other relevant details for safe care¤ Families can use these boards to share information with staff or note any questions¤
Telephone Services and Guidelines
Free phone service is available in most rooms¤ Please be considerate of other patients and avoid incoming calls after 9 p¤m¤ LongÌdistance calls must be made collect or charged to your personal calling card¤
You can call 1Ì800Ì555Ì1111 to use a calling card or speak to a Bell operator to bill to your home number¤ A public payphone is located on the first floor by the front entrance¤
Television
Services
Solutio
TV services are available through HealthHub Solutions¤ There are a few options to purchase this service
Online www¤connectmybed¤ca
By Phone 1Ì866Ì223Ì3686 (dial 9 first if calling from the hospital)
Wireless Internet
Free wireless internet is available throughout the hospital¤ Our IT Department does not support nonÌhospital equipment¤ For personal device issues please contact your own tech support¤
Parking
Parking is limited¤ Patients should avoid bringing cars¤ Complimentary visitor parking is available around the building¤
Emailing a patient
This free service lets you send a personalized message to your loved one¤ EÌcards are printed and delivered to the patient¨s bedside by staff¤ Visit our website for more information www¤huronhealthsystem¤caªecards¤ messa
Patient Visitation
Visitors are welcome to aid healing per the patientÝs wishes¤ Please respect all patients¨ privacy and comfort¤ An accessible washroom is located in the Emergency Department waiting room¤
If feeling unwell visitors should avoid entering the hospital as illness can spread and be harmful to patients¤ Please visit another time¤
Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday: 1100 a¤m¤ to 830 p¤m¤
Mental Health Unit visiting hours 330 p¤m¤ to 830 p¤m¤
Weekends and holidays: 1100 a¤m¤ to 830 p¤m¤
Mental Health Unit visiting hours 200 p¤m¤ to 830 p¤m¤
To request a visit outside of hours please check with your nurse¤
Visitor Guidelines
During your visit patients and visitors should wash their hands regularly using soap and water¤ If your hands are not visibly soiled use the sanitizer at the entrance to each room¤ Check with the nurse before bringing foodªdrinks into the hospital¤
Gifts
Due to the risk of severe allergies latex balloons are not allowed in the hospital¤ However foil balloons are permitted¤ Please refrain from bringing strongÌscented flowers such as lilies and hyacinths as they can affect individuals sensitive to smells¤
Please talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions.
Notes:
Are you caring for a loved one? Collaborating with The Ontario Caregiver Organization, we deliver vital support for caregivers. Prioritizing self-care is crucial for caregivers to maintain effective care, ensuring they provide the best support while safeguarding their own health. For more information, visit: www.ontariocaregiver.ca.
Mind Fitness: Strengthen Your Cognitive Muscles
Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, reading, and learning new skills, can enhance cognitive function.
A word search puzzle involves finding a list of hidden words where words can appear horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and may be spelled forwards or backwards.
Compassion Caregiver Feedback
Support Health Hospital
Doctor Nurse Trust
Patient Safety & Privacy
Patient Safety & Privacy
Identification
Identification
To ensure your safety, we use two unique identifiers to confirm your identity and ensure we are with the right person. This helps us to identify you as the person for whom the service or treatment is intended, and match the service or treatment to you, even if you have visited us many times before.
To ensure your safety, we use two unique identifiers to confirm your identity and ensure we are with the right person. This helps us to identify you as the person for whom the service or treatment is intended, and match the service or treatment to you, even if you have visited us many times before.
Full name
Full name
Date of birth
Date of birth
Unique hospital number
Unique hospital number
Privacy and Confidentiality
Privacy and Confidentiality
We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the provincial Personal Health Information Protection Act. To provide you with the best possible care, our healthcare team requires access to your personal health information. If you have any questions regarding your privacy at the hospital, or regarding the release of information, please contact our Privacy Officer: 519-524-8323 ext. 5413.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the provincial Personal Health Information Protection Act. To provide you with the best possible care, our healthcare team requires access to your personal health information. If you have any questions regarding your privacy at the hospital, or regarding the release of information, please contact our Privacy Officer: 519-524-8323 ext. 5413.
Medication Safety
Medication Safety
The full list of medications you provide is reviewed by your physician, nurses, and a pharmacist. Please do not keep medications at your bedside unless ordered by your physician. They are to be sent home or stored for you by the hospital until discharge.
The full list of medications you provide is reviewed by your physician, nurses, and a pharmacist. Please do not keep medications at your bedside unless ordered by your physician. They are to be sent home or stored for you by the hospital until discharge.
Guidelines for Photography and Videography
Photographing patients or staff is prohibited unless approved by management or the nurse in charge. Consent from the patient or hospital employee must be obtained prior to taking any photos.
Before taking a photo or video, please ask yourself: Has everyone involved agreed? Is anyone’s privacy at risk (including the background)? Does this impact your care or that of someone else?
Security
We strive to maintain a safe and secure environment for our staff, patients, and visitors, and to prevent theft from the facility and damage to the property.
You will have an identification bracelet placed on your wrist when you are admitted, which must be worn at all times so that positive identification can be made by staff.
Staff and volunteers wear an identification badge at all times while on hospital property.
Outside service contractors, inspectors and students or any other visitors will wear a ‘visitor’ or ‘facility’ badge.
Call bell
If you need assistance, please use the call bell system. You will be shown how to use this button by your healthcare provider.
Controlling Infection
Wash your hands using soap and water after using the washroom, bedpan/urinal. Use hand sanitizer if your hands are not visibly soiled.
Depending on your illness, you may be asked to stay in your room. Staff coming into your room may be wearing gowns, gloves and/or a mask. Your visitors will also be required to protect themselves.
Housekeeping
Our housekeeping team is dedicated to your safety and comfort. You may see them throughout the hospital—they are essential to your care team. Their efforts keep our spaces clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Here's how they support your care:
Cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, including making beds and preparing rooms for new admissions
Sanitizing floors, furniture, equipment, washrooms, and public areas throughout the hospital
Carefully cleaning specialized spaces like treatment rooms and operating rooms, following strict infection control protocols
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe space by following infection prevention guidelines during your stay.
Emergency Codes
Emergency Colour Codes: and comfort.
Standardized emergency codes help manage situations within our organization. Announcements are made over the paging system, with an “all clear” signal marking the end. Regular tests ensure preparedness, treating drills as real events. Our staff is well-trained to respond and guide.
When a code is announced:
Stay where you are and remain calm. Staff will direct you if you need to move.
Ask your healthcare provider if instructions are unclear.
C¡de GØee: E(ac aöi¡
Code Yellow: Missing Person
Code Orange: Disaster
Ad xö CaØdiac AØØeèö
C¡de Red: FiØe
Code White: Violent Situation
C¡de P ØÍxe: H¡èöage Tarig
C¡de BØ¡,: HaAaØd¡ è SÍixx
Code Silver: Person with weapon
C¡de Bxacr: B¡b/S èÍici¡ è Objecö
C¡de GØe5: IfØaèöØ cö Øe Faix Øe
C¡de Bx e: CaØdiac AØØeèö - Ad xö
C¡de Pir: CaØdiac AØØeèö - Chixd
Staying Active
Pressure injuries can lead to complications. The leading cause of bed sores is not moving. There are many benefits to staying active while in the hospital including better breathing, increased appetite, less pain, and improved sleep.
Move and stretch as much as possible
Sit in a chair for meals and visits
Turn in bed every two hours
Keep skin dry and clean
Tell your healthcare team about any skin redness or pain
Use heating pads or hot water bottles directly on skin
Rub or massage red areas
Preventing a Fall
Call for help if you feel weak, dizzy or lightheaded
Keep important items within reach
Move slowly and carefully when changing positions
Wear proper footwear
Ensure the clothes you are wearing do not drag on the floor
Apply the brakes on your wheelchair before sitting down
Preventing Blood Clots
In the hospital, your healthcare team takes special care to prevent blood clots, which can form due to reduced movement. Clots become serious if they travel to your lungs or other parts of your body.
What you can do:
Move when you can: Walking, even short distances, keeps your blood flowing. We will encourage regular movement.
Simple leg exercises: If unable to get up, move your feet and legs in bed. Wear compression stockings or devices if your care team provides them. Take blood thinners if prescribed: Doctors may order them to prevent clots if you are at higher risk.
Going Home
Together with your healthcare team plans will be made for your discharge from the hospital when you are stable¤
Personal belongings
Collect all of your personal items including those that were held in a safe place by our staff members¤
Transportation
Arrange for someone to drive you home¤ If you do not have someone available to give you a ride home ask a member of your healthcare team for options¤
Ask questions
It is important that you understand all of the information that has been given to you¤ Please do not hesitate to ask any questions to clarify the next steps in your care¤
Bill Payment
Payment can be made by cash cheque credit or debit or online at www¤huronhealthsystem¤caªhowtopaymybill
120 Napier St¤
Goderich ON N7A 1W5
519Ì524Ì8323 ext¤ 5702
Weekdays 9 a¤m¤ to 4 p¤m¤
Understanding your Transportation Options
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Community Supporters
AMGH is extremely grateful to all the community supporters for making this Patient & Family Handbook possible at no cost to the hospital.
Please note, an advertisement in this guide does not imply an endorsement by AMGH.
The staff at De Jager Town Square I.D.A. Pharmacy is committed to providing the best possible customer and patient care in our community pharmacy. We will endeavour to anticipate, discover, and research what our customers’ needs are, and, using our knowledge and expertise, do our best to meet them.
We take pride in the reputation that we have built.
We take pride in the reputation that we have built.
Thoughtfully
Independent Living
Independent Living
Thoughtfully designed bachelor 1 & 2 bedroom suites, many with kitchens, kitchenettes & balconies. Well planned amenity spaces include hair
1st
games room, library, fitness centre, tv
and 24
Respite & Convalescent Care
Respite & Convalescent Care
Offering the most comprehensive short term rehab services in Huron County. The focus is on you, your outcomes, your goals, returning you home stronger than before.*
Offering the most comprehensive short term rehab services in Huron County. The focus is on you, your outcomes, your goals, returning you home stronger than before.*
Memory Care
We have a specialized, secure neighbourhood within Goderich Place focused on a Montessori based program & proven methods of engagement, designed to create, enhance & stimulate each individual's interests.*
We have a specialized, secure neighbourhood within Goderich Place focused on a Montessori based program & proven methods of engagement, designed to create, enhance & stimulate each individual's interests.*
*An assortment of care packages available tailored to your needs.
*An assortment of care packages available tailored to your needs.
