Your Care

Important Information to Bring with You

During an initial visit to any of our services or if you are admitted to the hospital, it is important to have your Ontario Health Card and proof of any additional coverage. If you are part of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), please bring your identification card number.

It is also important to bring your current medications with you.

Admission

If you are admitted to the hospital, please hand in all medications including: prescription creams, vitamins, herbal medicines and other complimentary medicines.

Bring copies of Power of Attorney, advance directives and any other information relevant to your care.

Safety

Safety of our patients, families, staff and volunteers are important to us. A healing environment includes respect, trust and partnership. Violence is not tolerated. Please refer to LHSC’s commitment to patients.

Patient Responsibilities

Patients are responsible for:

  • Active Partnering in Care
    • Providing accurate information about past illnesses, allergic reactions to medication or food, current health and family health history.
    • Providing a comprehensive list of current medications including over-the-counter and complimentary medications such as herbal preparation.
    • Participating with the health care team in treatment and rehabilitation.
    • Asking questions to clarify information.
    • Sharing any concerns about care with the health care team.
    • Obtaining information needed for care after discharge from hospital.
    • Recognizing the risks and consequences of refusing treatment and/or leaving the hospital against medical advice.
  • Courtesy and Respect
    • Treating others in the hospital with consideration and respect.
      Observing all applicable hospital rules and regulations.
  • Using Health Care Resources Wisely
    • Advising the hospital as early as possible and at least 24 hours in advance if unable to keep an appointment.
    • Arranging for discharge when the attending physician decides discharge is appropriate.
  • Personal Property and Financial Obligations
    • All financial obligations incurred in care.
    • The safekeeping of personal property, valuables and patients’ own medications while in hospital.

To maintain a safe environment, please note the following:

Alcohol

Alcohol can significantly interfere with a patient/client’s treatment and rehabilitative efforts. Due to these risks, LHSC maintains a no alcohol policy.

Drugs

The use of any illegal substance or other drugs not prescribed by your doctor can be dangerous; therefore, it is a LHSC policy for patients/clients to refrain from the use of illegal or non-prescribed substances.

As part of the admission process to inpatients, each patient will receive a Fair Notice Statement outlining behavioural expectations and consequences for contraband.

Medications/Sharps

When you are admitted to hospital, a nurse or orderly will check your belongings for medications or objects deemed unsafe. These items are kept in the utility room and can be used by asking your nurse, the orderly, or the unit clerk.

Nurses and physicians are the only staff allowed to dispense medications on the unit. The medication removed from your belongings on admission will be returned to you at discharge.

The pharmacist is available to discuss your medication with you. Talk to your assigned nurse and he/she will contact the pharmacist on your behalf. If you are on different medications at time of discharge, you may wish the hospital pharmacy to dispose of your old medications for you.