In Hospital

If you are coming to the hospital for planned surgery, this section will give you information about:

• The type of personal ID to bring
• What personal belongings to bring with you, and what items to leave at home
• Hospital rooms and meals
• Your privacy

• Visitors
• Security and safety
• Patient services you can access
• Discharge (going home)

Preparing for your stay

Admission times for surgery vary. To find out what time you should come to the hospital, see "Admission" in the hospital-specific patient and family handbook.

Smoking cessation services are also available at several hospitals to help you quit smoking before and/or during your stay.

Keep a record

It may be helpful to keep a record of your location (unit, location, phone number), and the names and phone numbers of your health care team, for your own use. Your health care team can include:

• Patient Services Manager
• Patient Care Coordinator
• Care Management Leader
• Social Worker
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Doctor(s)
• Nurse(s)
• Specialist(s)
• Other(s)

Location & Health Care Team You can print a Location & Health Care Team form to complete when you are in hospital. Keep it for your own records.

Protect yourself and others from getting infections by using good hand washing habits: it is very important that you clean your hands often and completely. Wash your hands after using the washroom and before eating. You may also use the alcohol-based liquid/foam hand sanitizers available on each unit. You can also ask caregivers if they have cleaned their hands before providing you with care.