Guelph General Hospital Patient and Family Information Guide

Page 1


PATIENT & FAMILY INFORMATION GUIDE

Welcome to Guelph General Hospital

We understand that coming to the hospital can feel overwhelming and emotionally challenging. Whether you’re here for a brief visit or a longer stay, we want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We’ve written this guide to help you navigate your care journey with us and ease some of your concerns. We hope you find it a helpful resource throughout your time with us.

If you cannot find the information you’re looking for within these pages, please speak with a member of your care team. We are here to ensure you understand what’s happening at every stage of your care, so you can feel confident and supported during your stay.

We hope your experience here is a positive one, and that in every interaction you see our core values in action: Compassionate, Inclusive, Respectful, Collaborative, and Inspired. These values are the foundation of everything we do, and it’s our hope that they shine through in the care you receive.

Your feedback is important to us, and we’re always striving to improve. If you have any suggestions or would like to share your experience, please reach out directly at info@gghorg.ca. If your visit has inspired you to support our hospital, please consider giving to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital by visiting foundationggh.ca. Together, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Who We Are

In 2024, Guelph General Hospital proudly announced the launch of its first-ever 2023/24 Annual Report, showcasing a year of growth, innovation, and dedication to the community. The report highlights key achievements, patient stories, future plans, and financial details, while emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

Aligned with our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, which outlines our focused on patient-centered care, equity, innovation, and strengthening community partnerships, we are committed to ensuring high standards of care and responsiveness to evolving healthcare needs and remaining in line with our vision, mission and values.

VISION

Together, a healthier community for everyone

VALUES

Our values are the core of who we are at Guelph General Hospital. They govern all our actions and decision making.

We are:

• Compassionate

• Inspired MISSION

• Collaborative

Exemplary and equitable care for and with our community

• Inclusive

• Respectful

We would love to hear how you have seen our plan in action and your ideas for how we can help move in this direction. Please connect with us and share your experience at info@gghorg.ca.

To read the 2023-2024 Annual Report, and 20222027 Strategic Plan, scan the QR code.

Equity, diversity and inclusion at the forefront of patient care

At the core of our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan is a deep commitment to our people, fostering a workplace that is not only safe and supportive but thrives on diversity, gratitude, and recognition. We aim to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and celebrated.

In 2024, we reached several important milestones in our equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) journey. June marked the launch of our EDI and anti-racism and anti-oppression (ARAO) training, a key initiative open to all team members, aimed at fostering greater awareness and inclusivity across our organization. We also enriched our internal resources by adding new Indigenous

In September 2024, Guelph General Hospital held its first flag-raising, sacred fire and smudging ceremony lead by Kevin George, from Crow Shield Lodge. Tauni Sheldon, Inuk from Nunavik shared insights and truths in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.

Pride Month was a momentous occasion as we held our first-ever official Pride flag-raising ceremony, symbolizing our commitment to celebrating personal diversity in all its forms.

In September 2024, members of our Senior Leadership Team deepened these relationships by visiting Crow Shield Lodge, a space dedicated to supporting Indigenous individuals on their healing journey. This visit was a key step in building authentic and lasting partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Our work enhancing EDI at the hospital is just beginning. We feel confident that together, we are making meaningful strides toward creating a just, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.

Spiritual Care

On-Call Spiritual Care Providers are volunteers available for families, patients, and hospital team members of all faiths and spiritualties. They work alongside your healthcare team to:

Provide solitude for those feeling overwhelmed

Provide a spiritual perspective in ethical decision-making

Ensure respect for a patients religious and spiritual values

The Reflection Space offers dimmable lighting, soundproofing, and a ventilation system permitting candles or smudging. The space is symbol free making it versatile to accommodate all faiths. You can access the Reflection Space 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Level 5, Room 5078 directly in front of the public elevators.

You, or your care team, can contact Spiritual Care at (519) 8376440, ext. “0” Switchboard operator to request an on-call volunteer.

The Reflection Space was redesigned to create an inclusive environment where everyone can reflect, mourn, or engage in various religious practices. It reopened in February 2023.

Delivering care through Voyce Translation Services

Voyce is a translation service and part of GGH’s commitment to increasing knowledge and cultural competency to ensure our practices and processes are inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all. The service allows our team members to properly communicate with patients in more than 240 languages using tablets or a smartphone. The service is easy to use and there are many preferences available, allowing both those who work and receive care at GGH to feel confident.

If you would like to talk with the doctors and nurses at GGH through an interpreter, ask for Voyce Translation Service that is provided free of charge.

Parking at the hospital

Guelph General Hospital provides 12 designated accessible parking spaces for patients, visitors, and caregivers with accessible parking permits. These include six spaces in the main parking lot, four in the 73 Delhi Street lot, and two near the emergency department.

Please consider the following options when visiting or receiving care:

If possible, avoid visiting / booking an appointment during our peak times; Tuesday – Thursday between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you want to park at the hospital, please arrive 30-45 minutes early if you plan to park at the hospital.

If you are able, consider taking a taxi or asking a loved one to drop you off.

Considering using public transit. Bus Route 12 takes you directly to Guelph General Hospital.

Our parking rates:

$3.00 each ½ hour.

$13.75 is the daily maximum you will pay.

$16.00 daily will let you go in and out of the parking lot.

Parking frequently at the hospital?

Discount parking passes for our gated parking lots are available for purchase at Switchboard. Parking passes must be used within one year of purchase date.

$40.00 for a 5-day pass.

$80.00 for a 10-day pass.

$240.00 for a 30-day pass.

Pay and display parking (short term parking)

$3.25 / 30 minutes.

$19.00 Maximum parking - three hours.

Patients, families, visitors, and caregivers can pay for parking at four convenient pay stations located in the main lobby, outside the main parking lot, in the emergency department waiting room, and near the main entrance at 73 Delhi. Payment can also be made directly at the entry/exit gate of the main parking lots.

ATM / Paying for parking

An ATM is available 24/7 near the staircase in the Level 1 main lobby.

Revenue generated from parking fees at the hospital is used to maintain and refurbish the parking surface, purchase parking equipment, snow removal, and salt and clean the parking lots. If parking revenue collected is in excess of these costs, the money is re-directed to support patient care equipment and resources.

What to bring to the hospital

Ontario health card (OHIP).

Private health insurance information.

A list of medications you are taking now, including over the counter medicines herbal remedies, vitamins and diet pills in their original bottles.

Aerochamber and/or CPAP machine (if applicable).

Pajamas / comfortable clothes and robe (if preferred over a hospital gown).

Your own pillow / pillow case (if preferred).

Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and unscented bathroom supplies if possible).

Undergarments.

Diapers for children / babies.

Favourite toys / blankets for children.

Eyeglasses, contact lenses and cleaning solution and proper storage.

Hearing aids and case.

Mobility aids (cane, walker etc).

Items to leave at home / avoid bringing to the hospital

Bring only foil balloons to the hospitals as latex balloons can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Do not bring strongly scented flowers to the hospital due to the risk of causing allergic reactions. Flower arrangements can be purchased in the Gift shop.

Credit cards, large sum of cash.

Perfume / body sprays.

Jewelry / watches.

Lost and found items

Guelph General Hospital is not held responsible for lost or stolen items. The hospital’s lost and found is run by the Environmental Services team who can be reached at ext. 2712. If no one is available to take your call, leave a detailed message.

Smoking at Guelph General Hospital

Guelph General Hospital has a smoke-free policy enforced with the assistance of Public Health under the Tobacco Control Act. This prohibits smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes across all areas of hospital property.

If you need to smoke or consume tobacco products (vaping and/or e-cigarettes) please do so on the public sidewalk on Delhi Street, and dispose of cigarette butts in the containers provided. Thank you for helping to keep our facilities smoke free.

Food / Snacks

Patient meals

Breakfast is served between 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Lunch is served between 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Dinner is served between 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Your doctor or dietitian will order a diet that best fits your needs based on your medical condition. Tell your care team immediately of any allergies or special dietary requirements.

Cafeteria (Bistro)

A variety of warm meals suitable for most dietary preferences and restrictions are available for purchase in the Cafeteria (Bistro) on Level 2, just off the main elevators.

Breakfast is served Monday – Friday between 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Lunch / Dinner is served Monday – Friday between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

One of our Cafeteria (Bistro) team members offering up a healthy meal for Mission Nutrition, a donor-led initiative dedicated to promoting health and wellness among our team members.

Tim Hortons

Guelph General Hospital has a Tim Hortons onsite located in the Level 2 Cafeteria (Bistro) that is open Monday-Friday between 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays. This satellite location serves hot tea / coffee and a variety of baked goods, breakfast sandwiches and wraps.

24/7 Meal/Snack vending machines

There are vending machines providing food items like chips, sweets and sandwiches just outside the Cafeteria (Bistro) on Level 2 and near the elevators on Level 3.

Free Wi-Fi for patients, families and caregivers

The hospital has free Wi-Fi available for all patients, families and caregivers to enjoy using a smartphone, tablet or laptop. The WiFi can be accessed through the settings app in your smartphone or tablet under the name “GGH – Guest”.

TV rental

Patients are able to sign up for TV services through our service provider “LOC Medical” using the following methods;

Directly on the bedside TV: Select the “Rent TV Service” icon on the TV’s home screen and follow the prompts to complete the rental.

Online or on mobile device: Visit www.locmedical.com. Select > For Patients > TV Rental > Select Guelph General Hospital from the list of options > Select your room and bed number and confirm your plan and payment method.

Through our national call center: Dial ext. 3300, or call 1-800 263-1113 and select option-1 during business hours to speak to a LOC Medical Customer Support team member.

Daily TV Rental - $15.54

7-Day TV Rental - $77.70

30-Day TV Rental - $233.10

TV rental services are conducted directly through the patient / family member purchasing the service and the service provider, LOC Medical. If you require assistance with your purchase, please connect with LOC Medical directly by contacting their help line; 1-800 263-1113 or send an email to the portal on their website. Please scan the QR code to access LOC Medical’s website.

Headphones are funded by The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and are available by request. Inquire at Switchboard by dialling 519-837-6440.

Visiting

Patients can have two visitors at a time at the bedside. There is no limit to the number of visitors who can visit a patient, as long as only two are in the room at one time. There are additional exceptions and restrictions depending on a patient’s health status. For example, COVID-19 positive patients are not allowed visitors.

If you are planning to visit and are unsure of the nursing unit’s visiting guidelines, please call the hospital and ask to speak with the patient’s unit.

Guelph General Hospital will continue to assess and make changes to its visitor guidelines based on the status of COVID-19 and with consideration to the safety of patients, team members and our community.

Code of conduct for patients and visitors

At Guelph General Hospital our organization’s priority is always safety. We work hard to provide a safe environment for all our patients, caregivers, visitors and team members. If a visitor or caregiver becomes aggressive or violent during a patients stay, they may be asked to leave.

As a patient at Guelph General Hospital, we are required and want to let team members know when and where there are risks of aggressive or violent behaviours. We have processes in place to ensure this happens to keep all our team members and visitors safe. Some people react to stress, anger, fear or pain with violence. Medication and anaesthesia or medical conditions like dementia also can cause violent behaviour.

This can include hitting, punching, shoving, pushing, kicking, biting, throwing objects and attempts and threats of assault.

Our goal is to provide the best possible care to our patients. By keeping our team members safe and informed, we help ensure they can meet the needs of all our patients and their families. By working with you and your family or chosen caregiver, we want to learn what could contribute to certain behaviours and how we can best support you during your stay at our hospital.

Thank you for your cooperation in making Guelph General Hospital a safe and respectful environment for all.

Masking and COVID-19

We continue to monitor respiratory virus transmission within the Guelph-Wellington region. To ensure safety for our most vulnerable patients, masking requirements may change according to transmission and outbreak levels within the community.

Up-to-date masking requirements are posted on the hospital’s website (gghorg.ca) to ensure the expectation of wearing a mask is clear. If you are unsure if masks are required, please ask a Guelph General Hospital team members member or volunteer.

Our team members, patients, families, caregivers and volunteers are welcome to wear a mask if they prefer. Mask recycling stations are also available throughout the hospital when you are finished using yours.

Gift Shop

The hospital’s Gift Shop is located in the main lobby on Level 1 and open Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 100% of the Gift Shop’s earnings go towards purchasing patient care equipment, through The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.

We want to hear from you

Our Patient Relations, Quality and Patient Safety team are always here to ensure compliments are shared and concerns are resolved between patients, families and the healthcare team.

Our patients are our top priority and we strive each and every day to deliver exceptional patient care to everyone who walks through our doors. If you have a compliment, concern or question about you or your loved ones’ experience at Guelph General Hospital, we want to hear more.

Contact the Patient Relations, Quality and Patient Safety team between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Call: (519) 837-6440 ext. 2815

Email: patient.representative@gghorg.ca

Mail: Guelph General Hospital 115 Delhi St., Guelph, ON, N1E 4J4

If you are still at the hospital, express compliments or concerns with your family member’s or your care team. You can also speak with the resource nurse of the unit or contact the director of the unit where your care is being provided.

Consent to treatment

Guelph General Hospital is committed to a process that helps team members and patients in making difficult decisions. During your hospitalization you may be asked to sign a consent form for tests, procedures and treatments. Before signing your consent, be sure you understand all risks and benefits and ask for explanation from your care team if you need it.

Safety tips

The Ontario Hospital Association developed five tips that will help make your healthcare as safe as possible:

1. Be involved in your healthcare. Speak up if you have questions or concerns about your care.

2. Tell a member of the healthcare team about your past illnesses and your current health condition(s).

3. Bring all your medications with you in the original container to all medical appointments.

4. Tell a member of your healthcare team if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine or food.

5. Make sure you or a family member understand your at-home care instructions when leaving the hospital or medical appointment.

Advanced Healthcare Directives

(Living Will, Power of Attorney for Personal Care)

Advance care planning is about expressing your wishes while you are capable, about how you wish to be cared for in the future. It is also about giving someone you trust information regarding your wishes and the authority to make decisions for

you in the future if you are not capable of doing so yourself. At a time when you are not capable of making decisions, the person legally responsible for making decisions for you is called a substitute decision maker.

A Power of Attorney for Personal Care is a document which identifies the person you wish to be your substitute decision maker. A copy of your Advance Care Plan or Power of Attorney for Personal Care documentation may be requested to assist your team in planning for your care. If you have questions about Advanced Care Planning or Powers of Attorney for Personal Care, or if you have a document prepared, please inform your healthcare team.

Thank you for being a partner, for sharing with us, and helping us be better.

Managing your pain

During your stay, a team member will assess your pain using a numeric pain scale of 0 to 10 or a visual face chart. A score of 0 is no pain and a score of 10 is the worst possible pain. Be sure to discuss your pain and possible pain management options with your healthcare team.

The visual face chart will help you effectively communicate your pain levels to your care team.

Your medications

It is important that your healthcare team is told about all of the medications you are currently taking. You may hear this referred to as your “Best Possible Medication History” or “BPMH”. If you’re visiting the hospital and preparing for a possible overnight stay, please bring your daily medications in their original containers

While you are in hospital your medications may be changed. Any of your medications not used in hospital will be safely stored and returned to you at the time that you are discharged.

Five important questions to ask about new medication:

1. What is the name of the medication and why am I taking it?

2. When and how do I take it and for how long?

3. Are there food, drinks and activities I should avoid while taking this medication?

4. Are there side effects? What should I do if I experience them?

5. Will this new medication work safely with other medications I already take?

Staying well while at the hospital

During your stay:

You will receive an identification bracelet on admission that is to be worn at all times.

Newborns and parents also receive an identification bracelet.

Team members, doctors, and volunteers are identified by their name badges.

Avoiding blood clots

When you come to the hospital, our care team will look at all the risks you may have to get a blood clot in your legs or lungs. Blood clots are a common complication in hospitalized patients.

Ask your doctor or nurse if you should be given a medication to prevent blood clots. Let your healthcare team know if you have any chest pain, shortness of breath or swelling in your legs.

Falls prevention

While in hospital, you may be at a higher risk of falling because of illness, surgery and medications that can lead to weakened muscles and/or affect your balance and judgment.

Unfortunately, 40 per cent of admissions into nursing homes happen after a person falls. The resulting head injury, broken bones and increased fear can lead to declining mobility and health.

To reduce the likelihood of falling:

Use the call bell (cord) to get assistance before you get up, if you need it;

Always wear nonslip slippers or shoes;

Get up slowly;

Before standing, sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes. If you are dizzy do not get up, and call your nurse;

Make sure you have a clear path to your chair or the bathroom before getting up.

Staying active

To prevent the negative effects of bedrest and immobility, ask a member of your care team which activities you can safely do. Some examples include:

Spending time out of bed or sitting in a chair for meals;

Performing your own hygiene, such as bathing and grooming;

Using the bathroom on your own, when you are able;

Going for walks in the hallway, with supervision and/or equipment as needed

Pressure injury and ulcer prevention

A pressure injury is also known as a bedsore or pressure ulcer. Pressure injury is damage that occurs on the skin and underlying tissue. Inactivity, friction, poor nutrition and moist/wet skin are common causes. The most common places for pressure ulcers to develop are over bony areas such as heels, ankles, elbows, hips, shoulders, and the lower back.

Pressure injuries are caused by a lack of blood supply to an area of skin. These injuries begin as a reddened area on the skin and can become an open sore. They can occur from intense pressure over a lengthy period of time or less pressure over a long period of time.

Ways to prevent pressure injuries;

Keep your skin clean and dry.

Do not lie or sit in one position for a long time.

Be as active as you can.

Move or change positions every two hours or as told by your health provider.

Eat a healthy diet that includes protein. Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.

Let your healthcare provider know if you feel or see any changes in your skin. Ask them to check areas you cannot see.

Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

We strongly encourage that family members and caregivers of the patient support their overall health when in the hospital by encouraging these habits as a way to avoid pressure injuries and ensure a smooth return home.

Our rehabilitation team helps patients recover, regain, and improve their physical abilities and overall quality of life after illness, injury, surgery, or other medical conditions.

Our volunteers

At Guelph General Hospital, our volunteers are part of the team in more ways than one. They are an important part of a wraparound approach to help create an enhanced care experience for all our patients, families and caregivers. You may see these valuable helpers in a number of areas around the hospital wearing blue vests. They are always happy to help or answer questions if you need assistance.

To learn more about volunteers, or how to become a volunteer at Guelph General Hospital, scan the QR code.

In 2024, Guelph General Hospital volunteers received all-new striking blue vests! Look out for their new uniform when visiting the hospital.

Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is designed to improve the hospital stay for older adult patients to prevent delirium and functional decline. HELP volunteers deliver targeted interventions specific to each patient including cognitive stimulation, physical mobility, meal time assistance, and socialization and orientation protocols. Our HELP team includes an Elder Life Specialist, a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, as well as specially trained volunteers. The HELP program can

be accessed by speaking with a member of your healthcare team who can submit a referral on your behalf. If you have any questions, call the Elder Life Specialist at ext. 2443.

A few of our amazing HELP volunteers!

Patient and Family Advisory Council

The Patient and Family Advisory Council advocates to help ensure the voice of the patient is represented in decision making at the hospital.

The committee’s overall purpose is;

Promote respectful and effective partnerships between patients, families and team members.

Increase understanding and collaboration between patients, families and team members.

Transform the culture towards patient-centred care.

Improve quality, patient safety, and patient health outcomes.

Establish a link between the hospital and the community.

To learn more about the Patient and Family Advisory Council, or to learn how you can join, please scan the QR code.

Infection Prevention & Control / Washing your hands

The hospital has an Infection Prevention and Control team who ensures the utmost safety of patients and team members while they are at Guelph General Hospital. The team helps decrease any possible bacterial or viral infections by requiring use of various personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols for patients and team members.

Special infection control precautions may be required during your stay because of a suspected or confirmed condition. We ask that all visitors follow the infection prevention and control protocols. If you require support putting on / taking off your PPE, a nearby team member would be glad to support to you.

Preparing to go home

When will you be discharged?

We want to make sure that you are safely discharged when you are medically stable and ready to go home. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will make this decision based on your progress. Typically, discharges occur between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. However, the exact time may vary depending on your health and the coordination of your healthcare team, who have been dedicated to your care throughout your stay. If you have any questions or need assistance ask your care team.

Will you need support after you are discharged?

Our focus is to get you home as safely and quickly as possible. However, after your stay in hospital your healthcare team may decide you need help at home. If so, a social worker or coordinator from OntarioHealth@Home will meet with you to discuss your eligibility for healthcare services at home, at school

and in the community. If determined by OntarioHealth@Home that a higher level of care may be required they will initiate this process you and your care partner. This team can also connect you with resources for community-based services like meal delivery, light housekeeping, transportation and day programs.

Before you leave:

Make arrangements to have someone pick you up on the day that you are discharged from the hospital. Make sure you take your health card with you, any medications, and belongings that you brought with you to the hospital. Your nurse will review any instructions and prescriptions with you.

Be sure you understand:

The reason for your hospitalization and any necessary follow up appointments.

Your diet or activity restrictions and signs of danger to watch for after your discharge.

Changes to your medications and who to call with questions.

Community services that you might need to access after leaving the hospital. If you are unsure about anything, ask your healthcare provider before you leave.

Last year, pediatric patient Aime marked a special milestone - her 17th birthday- while recovering at Guelph General Hospital!

Accommodations

Upgrading your room

Residents of Ontario with Ontario Health Insurance Plan

coverage are entitled to complete access to healthcare while in the hospital. OHIP covers the cost of a standard ward room (four or more beds in one room).

You may choose to upgrade your room to:

Semi-private: (two beds in one room) additional cost of $300 per day.

Private: (single room) additional cost over a ward room of $350 per day.

We will make every effort possible to provide you with the type of accommodation you request, however, we do have a limited number of private rooms and priority is given to patients who require additional precautions for a medical condition or infection prevention/management.

Preferred accommodation

Including:

Semi-private Private rooms

If you have provided the hospital with the information for your private insurance policy regarding preferred accommodation only, our Finance department will bill your insurer directly.

Patients can submit payment independently or use their private insurance carrier supplemental health benefit insurance plan, (through your employer or personally purchased). Details of this coverage must be submitted to the hospital Finance department, 4th Floor, 73 Delhi Street. The office can be reached by phone between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekdays at (519) 837-6440 ext. 2207.

Medical appliances

Hospital provided medical devices are not covered by OHIP and will require payment. These devices include;

Splints.

Fiberglass/Air casts.

Optifast supplement drinks (Bariatric program patients).

Costs pertaining to alternate level of care (ALC).

Patients must pay for these appliances personally, and then claim through their health benefit insurance plan if applicable. All prices will be provided in advance by the care team.

Patient Accounts

The OHIP may not cover all services and items related to your healthcare. Check with your private insurance carrier for details on what may be covered in your policy. If you do not have private insurance, you will receive a bill from the hospital approximately one week after your discharge.

Some of the items you can expect to pay directly for are:

Preferred accommodation (semi-private or private rooms);

Medical appliances.

Cosmetic surgeries.

De-listed procedures.

Ambulance rides.

Upgraded intraocular lenses used in cataract surgeries.

Finance and payments

Hospital bills can be paid by the following methods:

By phone for billing inquiries and payments, (519) 837-6440 ext. 2207.

Pay online by Visa or Mastercard 24 hours at www.gghorg.ca.

Payment by phone available 24/7 toll free (855) 329-5684.

Payment by mail with cheque. Write your account number on the cheque and return the upper portion of the invoice with your payment to 115 Delhi St., Guelph, ON N1E 4J4.

In person at Switchboard 24/7; please bring your invoice with you.

In person weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 73 Delhi St., 4th Floor, Finance department.

Payment by mail with cheque. Write your account number on the cheque and return the upper portion of the invoice with your payment to 115 Delhi St., Guelph, ON N1E 4J4

In person at Switchboard 24/7; please bring your invoice with you.

In person weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 73 Delhi St., 4th Floor, Finance department.

Our Patient Accounts team is at-the-ready to ensure accurate billing and payment processing for medical services provided to patients.

Security

For your protection, our security program includes cameras, card access and security guards around the building. All team members and volunteers wear photo identification badges and you should only accompany someone who is wearing a badge.

Contact

Security Services: (519) 837-6440 ext. 2908

Our security team members work days and evenings to ensure GGH is a safe environment for all to work and receive care.

Community health partners

Guelph General Hospital is able to provide exemplary care with the help of community health partners. They support patients and families with getting to the hospital, and/or see that each patient receives adequate continuing care after their stay. We are proud to partner with reliable organizations across Waterloo-Wellington.

Here are just a few:

Alzheimer Society

Guelph Community Health Centre

Guelph Police Services

Guelph-Wellington Ontario Health Team

Guelph-Wellington

Paramedic Services

Guelph-Wellington

Women in Crisis

Homewood Health

March of Dimes

Portage Ontario

Regional Geriatric Program Central

SHIFT Concussion Management

Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Network

St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph

Stonehenge Therapeutic Community

University of Guelph

Conestoga College

In December 2024, we announced our plans to expand access to care with a new medical centre at the Guelph campus of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Fully managed and operated by GGH, the centre is expected to open in December 2025 and will initially provide diagnostic imaging services.

Connected care across the province

Connected care across the province; We are working cooperatively with many provincial partners to ensure Guelph community residents receive the best care possible close to home. Our provincial partners include Trillium Gift of Life, Canadian Blood Services, and McMaster University, to name a few.

Saving lives through organ donation

To learn more about becoming an organ donor, please scan the QR code.

Have you signed up? ConnectMyHealth

ConnectMyHealth is a collaborative project made possible through Hamilton Health Sciences and Ontario Health. It is a free, online patient portal that allows patients to view their health records online through a secure single-access channel.

The web-based tool combines various types of health records created at hospitals you’ve visited in Southwestern Ontario into

In September 2024, the Trillium Gift of Life Network has once again recognized the Guelph General Hospital (GGH) team for their impressive results in organ and tissue donation with three achievement awards: the Award of Excellence for Conversion Rate and Hospital Achievement Awards for Provincial Conversion Rate and Provincial Eligible Approach Rate.

one, consolidated view.

Empower your health journey. To learn more, or sign up scan the QR code.

Access your diagnostic images anywhere with PocketHealth, available at Guelph General Hospital

PocketHealth is a secure, online storage hub for your medical imaging records – accessible by you from any device, anywhere in the world. Your imaging information is important to you and your physician, and PocketHealth puts it in your control. When you visit a PocketHealth connected imaging centre, you will be able to receive a permanent, digital copy of your imaging record and share it easily with any healthcare professional.

Together, redeveloping our spaces

At Guelph General Hospital, we’re shaping the future of healthcare for Guelph-Wellington with new buildings, upgraded facilities, and advanced technology to improve patient care and access. Our planned redevelopment includes expanding the emergency department with a new triage, registration, waiting area, and larger ambulance garage to reduce offload wait times. We will also be preparing to relocate and expand Emergency Mental Health and Addictions Services, with a larger short stay unit and more counseling support to stabilize patients and reduce readmissions.

As Guelph’s population grows by over 66,000 by 2051, we’re planning for a new hospital while maintaining quality care in our aging infrastructure. This complex, multi-year project involves careful planning with local partners to minimize disruptions. We are grateful for your feedback and support as we prepare for the future. For updates, visit www.gghorg.ca/redevelopment.

Join our team

It takes many different perspectives and types of support to help create a healthy community. We invite you to be part of our work to ensure a strong and vital future for healthcare in Guelph-Wellington.

Participate in our Patient & Family Advisory Council

Volunteer with us at the hospital or in the community

Donate to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital

A sneak peak into the future of the emergency department.

Community supporters

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Guelph General Hospital Patient and Family Information Guide by Willow Publishing - Issuu