Information for In-patients : Osindisweni hospital

Introduction

• Patients will be welcomed and introduced to all personnel in the ward.
• The Charter for Patient Rights and the Patient Information Booklet will be made available to the patient.

Orientation

• Patients are shown their beds, toilet and bath facilities.
• They are advised about the use of a bedside bell.
• They are advised about what to do in the event of a fire.

Possessions and Valuables

• Patients clothing are kitted and kept safely in the kit room. You are permitted to use your own clothing.
• Other valuables like money, watches and jewelry are kept in the hospital safe.
• Firearms must be declared to the security for safe keeping.

Smoking and alcohol

• Smoking of substances of whatever nature, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden.

Visitors

• Visitors and patients may park their vehicles at their own risk in the designated parking area within the hospital.
• Visiting times are: 11 to 12 am, 3 to 4 pm and 6 to 7 pm everyday inclusive of weekends and public holidays.
• Only three persons are allowed at the patients bedside at any given time. Visitors must inform the sister in charge whom they are visiting and declare any items brought for the patient.
• Children under 12 years of age are not allowed in the wards unless with the special permission of the sister in charge.
• Ambulant patients, with the permission of the sister in charge, may meet their visitors (including children under 12 years of age) in the visitors waiting room on the ground floor.
• Telephonic enquiries about patients are permitted, and messages taken and conveyed to patients, but not during the period 08H00 and 12H00 unless urgent.
• Confidential information about a patient will not be given over the telephone regardless of who the caller is.

Meals

• Meals are served at the following times:
• Breakfast > 08H00
• Lunch > 11 H30
• Tea > 14H00
• Supper > 16H30
• Dietary preferences in respect of religious beliefs, food allergies and vegetarians are catered for. Patients must notify the sister on admission.
• Food items may be brought by relatives or purchased by the patient but this must be declared to the sister before consumption.

Telephone Service

• Public telephones are available on the ground floor.
• Notify the sister if calls of an urgent nature need to be made.
• The use of cellphones are permitted.

Translation

• Communication is namely in English and Zulu with the nurse acting as translators
• Translation in other languages will be arranged.

Entertainment

• TV sets are available in the wards for both education and entertainment viewing.
• Use of radios are permitted unless this disturbs other patients.
• Reading material can be obtained from the sister in charge.
• Group activities are encouraged.

Leaving the wards
• Patients must inform the sister of their whereabouts if leaving the ward to visit the tuck shop, taking a walk or meeting relatives.
• Patients must remain in their beds during doctors and nurses ward rounds.

Doctors and nurses ward rounds
• These are conducted at specific times of the day and you must be present.
• Quietness must be ensured by switching off TVs and radios and refraining from loud conversations.

Pass outs
• Pass outs enable patients to leave the hospital for short periods to attend to matters outside the hospital.
• Pass outs can only be authorised by the doctor. Inform the sister timeously.

Patient records
• Patients medical records are confidential documents which are the property of the hospital.
• They are not made available to visitors and should not be taken away.
• Records are made available to other people only with your permission and with the authority of the doctor in charge.

Referral to other hospitals
• Patients are referred to other hospitals for higher levels of care and special tests.
• Transport to and from these hospitals are arranged and you and your relatives will be advised accordingly.

Discharge procedures
• Only the doctor can authorise your discharge.
• If you wish to be discharged against the advice of the doctor:
• You will be permitted to do so if you have a sound mental status
• You will be required to sign a `Refusal of Hospital Treatment' form to declare that you do so at your own risk.
• Retrieve your belongings and return any clothing and items that has been given to you.
• Medication to take home will be given to you by the sister and follow up appointments arranged.
• The discharge office will make arrangements for the payment of the hospital fees.

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