While at the hospital, you may meet a variety of physicians, hospital staff, students and volunteers, all working together to help you meet your care goals.
The Winchester District Memorial Hospital is proud to be a University of Ottawa affiliated teaching hospital. Your physician may have a medical student, resident or fellow working with them. (Medical residents and fellows are medical doctors taking specialized training in a particular area of medicine.) Through affiliation agreements with several different schools, colleges and universities we also frequently have nursing, physiotherapy, spiritual care, laboratory and diagnostic imaging students. Their involvement in your care is directly supervised by their preceptor on staff.
Physicians
Your physician will coordinate your tests, medical care and treatment. They may request that a consulting physician such as a surgeon or internist see and assess you. They will work closely with the rest of the team to make sure your needs are met and that your transition between services, facilities and home is smooth.
Nurses
Nurses will attend to your day-to-day health care during your stay in the hospital. Any questions or concerns that you have should be discussed with your nurse, who will involve any other member of the Health Care Team to resolve them.
Pharmacists
WDMH encourages patients to bring their own miedications to the hospital to be given to the nurse. This may help the Pharmacy staff identify any medication interactions or problems. It is also important to let us know if you have any allergies or have had any adverse effects to any medications you have taken.
The hospital Pharmacy will be responsible for the medications ordered for you by your physician while you are in the hospital. Since the hospital cannot stock every medication, there may be occasions when your own supply of medication may be used while you are in the hospital.
The Pharmacist is available for all patients and their families to answer medication questions or provide information. The Pharmacist will interact with other members of your health care team in assuring that you receive the best care for your stay at WDMH.
Physiotherapists (PTs)
Physiotherapy may be ordered to help you with a chest condition, for pain management or to promote movement and walking. Your therapist may give you a program to do in your room between therapy sessions.
If you normally use a walking aid we ask you to bring it with you to the hospital.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Occupational therapists help people learn or manage the every day activities that are important to them, including caring for themselves, caring for their home, and performing activities of daily living and meal preparation. The OT may also make splints and prescribe equipment and assistive devices. If you normally use a wheelchair we ask you to bring it with you to the hospital.
Dietitians
The dietitian may see you to help with selecting a specialized diet, assessing your swallowing ability and counseling you about the types of food to eat. If you have diabetes or are at risk to develop diabetes talk to your dietitian or other member of your health care team to access our Diabetes Education Program. You can also refer yourself to the program by calling ext 5102.
Pastoral & Spiritual Care Providers
Spiritual and Religious Care is available to all patients, their families and staff as part of the hospital’s commitment to provide holistic care. You will be asked on admission if you would like a visit from interfaith pastoral volunteers and/or your personal faith clergy. The new Ontario privacy legislation requires that you give the hospital permission to notify your clergy of your admission. Following admission, you may also notify your nurse at any time if you would like a visit. An interfaith prayer service is held each Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Complex Care lounge.
Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging Technicians
Your physician may order some tests such as x-rays, blood work, urinalysis and ultrasounds. These tests are performed by laboratory and diagnostic technicians either at your bedside or in the related department.
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
The CCAC will look after your home care needs. The CCAC Case Manager may see you during your hospital stay to assess your needs in preparation for returning home. Arrangements may be made at that time for such services as nursing, therapy or home support. The CCAC Case Manager can also provide information about other community agencies and support services. Please discuss any questions or concerns in this area with your nurse.
Discharge Planners
Planning for your discharge begins the day you are admitted to the Hospital. Your plans may involve arranging services at home, in a temporary convalescent placement, a move to a rest home, a long-term care facility or a complex continuing care unit. Other referrals may also be arranged to various social service or health care organizations and equipment vendors for assistance with needs identified during your hospital stay. The Discharge Planning Coordinator is available to assist you in assessing your future care needs and how these needs may be met, and can be contacted at extension 5220.
Respite Care
Respite Care - temporary relief to the caregiver for an individual who is chronically ill, disabled or receiving palliative care - is available at Winchester District Memorial Hospital with the collaboration of Community Care Access Centre for a per day fee. Contact the Discharge Planner at extension 5220 for more information.
Volunteers
We are fortunate to have numerous dedicated volunteers at our hospital. You will recognize them by their bright blue vests, and may come across volunteers answering general questions, working in the gift shop, delivering mail, offering refreshments, transporting you for therapy or testing or just stopping in to offer a friendly visit.