Patients & Visitors

Policies

Appliances

No patient owned appliances are to be plugged into the Hospital's electrical system. Battery operated appliances without charges are permitted.

Cell Phones/Walkie-Talkies

Use of cellular phones and walkie-talkies in the Hospital are allowed in certain areas that are non-clinical. Please ask before you use your phone in patient care areas.

Radio wave signals from cellular phones and walkie-talkies can affect the operation of critical electronic equipment used for patient care.

Latex

Timmins and District Hospital is a "Latex Allergy Aware" facility. Since latex balloons can cause allergic reactions for some people, we ask that no latex balloons be brought onto the premises. Mylar balloons are permitted. Latex-free patient care products are available for those who have allergies. If you have an allergy, please notify your health care provider immediately.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Timmins and District Hospital believes that its patients and staff are entitled to an environment free of harassment and aggression. Physical or verbal abuse of staff, patients, family members or visitors will not be tolerated. We encourage mutual respect and tolerance at all times.

Any person who verbally or physically threatens or attacks another, or destroys Hospital property, is liable to be reported to the police.

Patient Safety - Partners in Care

The Timmins & District Hospital cares about your safety when you access any of our services.

We believe in safe, quality services but we need your help. One way to do this is by being SAFE.

Speak up if things don't seem right or if you have questions or concerns. Pay attention to the care you are getting. Make sure you are getting the correct treatments and medications from the correct healthcare professionals. You are the expert on you.

Ask questions. If you don't understand information given, ask again. You have the right to ask questions and get answers you can understand. Participate in all decisions about your care. Asking questions helps you to learn as much as you can about your condition, treatment plan, any planned tests, and about your choices so that you can make the best decisions.

Family or friends, with your permission, can come with you to the hospital for support or to ask questions on your behalf when you are not feeling well. Let your health care team know who this person is.

Educate yourself about your condition, what your treatment plan is and what you can do to improve your health. The more you know, the better you are at preventing mistakes and taking care of yourself. Know what medications you are on, why you take them and keep an updated list with you.

Three Big Risks to Safety

Studies have shown that three of the most common risks for patients are infections, falls, and medicines.

The following tips outline some of the ways that you can help lower your risk while you are in the hospital:

INFECTIONS Hospital associated infections are one of the most common types of adverse events occurring in hospitalized patients. Here are some simple things that you can do to reduce your risk: To help prevent the spread of infections, wash your hands often using soap and water or hand sanitizer When you visit the hospital or any healthcare facility it is very important that you wash your hands If you are being seen by a healthcare provider, ask them to wash their hands before examining you If you are visiting a patient in isolation, follow the directions on the sign posted on the door and wear the protective equipment provided

FALLS Make sure you can reach the call bell if you are in bed, a chair, or the bathroom so that you can ring for help Make sure you ASK FOR HELP if you need it to use the bathroom or sit/stand Wear slippers/shoes with non-skid soles that fit well. Keep your room free from clutter. Be aware of tripping hazards such as cords, or newspapers on the floor. Some medicines can make you dizzy or sleepy. Know how your medicines affect you - ask your nurse or doctor. If you require equipment to help you, such as a wheelchair or walker, it should be in good working order. If you have any concerns ask your physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist.

MEDICINES Know what medicines (name, strength, and how often) you are on and why (even any non-prescription medicines like Tylenol, vitamins or herbals). Make sure your health care provider identifies you correctly before giving you any medicine Ask what the medicine is that you are being given and what it is used for each time  Ask questions if the medicine looks different than what you were taking at home or from what they have been giving you in hospital Ask for a list of all the medications you are supposed to be on at discharge

Scent Reduction

Many people are sensitive to fragrances and may in fact have serious reactions to them. In the interest of ensuring a healthy environment, we ask that patients and visitors refrain from using strongly scented personal care products and perfumes.

Smoke Free Policy

The Timmins and District Hospital went Smoke Free on October 2, 2012. In order to provide a healthy environment for all patients, employees, physicians, and volunteers, no smoking is permitted on hospital grounds including in personal vehicles. For more information on this policy please click here.