Patient Services

As a patient, you can access different services to help you during your stay in the hospital.

CIBC Centre for Patients and Families

A resource centre at Vancouver General Hospital to help you and your family make informed choices about your health, before, during, and after your hospital stay.

The staff at the centre can provide to you with information on: diseases, conditions, symptoms, medical tests and more. They can also help you navigate the health care system and access community resources.

The centre also offers:

• Computer access for email and research
• Pamphlets and brochures
• Copy machine and fax

For more information, visit the CIBC Centre for Patients and Families website:

Centre for Patients & Families

Interpreters

Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are available for deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing patients. If you or a family member needs this service you can call directly. Spoken Language interpreters are available to help with communication between staff and patients who have limited English. These interpreters may be requested by VCH staff only. If you or your family needs the help of an interpreter, please speak to a staff member.

For contact information, see "Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters" in the directory of your hospital-specific patient and family handbook.

Spiritual care

Concern for the whole person – physical, emotional and spiritual – is basic to patient care. Many people find support and comfort in their faith. Chaplains and spiritual care providers can assist you in drawing upon your religious beliefs and provide spiritual resources. On-call chaplains are available 24 hours a day for spiritual care emergencies.

Let your nurse know if you would like this service, or call them directly.

For contact information, see "Spiritual Care" in the directory of your hospital-specific patient and family handbook.

Aboriginal patient navigators

The Aboriginal Patient Navigator program helps Aboriginal people access health services at Vancouver Coastal Health. For more information, see Aboriginal Patient Navigators.

Feedback

If you have a question, compliment or problem, speak to your health care team or to the patient services manager for your unit. If you need more assistance, contact the Patient Care Quality Office.