Ladysmith Provincial Hospital is the Regional (Specialist) Hospital for uThukela (DC 23). The hospital attend to patients referred by a Primary Healthcare Clinics, private doctors, other hospitals as well as patients, previously in-patients, attending the hospital clinics for follow up treatment. We have an accident emergency department that renders a twenty-four (24) hour service for all emergencies, 7 days a week.
Registration as a patient
To receive attention at the hospital it is necessary to register at admissions
in the outpatient department. The registration clerk will ask for some means of
identification preferably an I.D. book. On registration a carrier (blue) card
showing a unique number will be given to the patient. This card must be shown
each time the patient visits the hospital.
Classifications of patients
Patients are classifieds according to their income. If a patient does not
disclose their income they will be classifieds as a private patient.
Patients belonging to a Medical Aid are classifieds as private patients. Private
patients have the right to be treated by a private doctor of their choice.
Fees
A fee is charged for each visit to the hospital. The fees payable are according
to the fees structure of the Department of Health KwaZulu-Natal. The Revenue
department in the main administrative block will provide information on charges
for in-patient treatment.
Treatment of patients
Patients may be treated as outpatients in the Out-patient or Casualty Department
or in one of the specialised clinics. Patients requiring hospitalisation will be
treated in one of the wards of the hospital.
All necessary medicines are provided for hospital patients. Other medicines have
to be obtained from a private pharmacy.
No patient will be given preferential treatment.
Patients Rights
Every patient has the right:
*To be treated with dignity, compassion, and courtesy and have his/her privacy
respected during consultation, treatment and hospitalisation.
* To emergency care and to be treated by a suitably qualified health
professional.
* To accurate information regarding his/her health status, the proposed
investigations, procedures and treatment and if mentally sound, has the right to
refuse.
* To give informed consent voluntarily to proposed management procedures and
tests.
* To appropriate treatment regardless of culture, age, gender, religion or any
social standing.
* To make legitimate complaints and to have these complaints satisfactorily
dealt with in a reasonable period of time.
* To visitors according to hospital policy.
* To healthy, safe, secure environment during his/her treatment while in the
hospital.
* To die with dignity and in comfort.
* To receive a clear explanation regarding the services available, how and where
he/she can receive the same.
* To free and private communication in his/her own language with persons of
his/her choice.
* To participate in planning his/her treatment.
* To confidentiality of medical records.
* To impartial access to treatment and accommodation.
* To know the identity of the physician primarily responsible for his/her
medical care and the way to contact the physician.
* To help us achieve the above, the hospital administration expects a certain
level of co-operation from the patients and these responsibilities are listed
below.
Patients Responsibilities
* Treat all health care workers and other patients and visitors with respect and
dignity.
* Comply with all hospital policies and guidelines as displayed.
* Provide correct information regarding identity and financial status.
* Take responsibility for hospital fees as assessed.
* Acknowledge that some other patient’s needs may be more urgent than his/hers.
* Provide Health Care Workers with comprehensive and accurate (honest medical
history and be compliant as regards taking medication or following any other
prescribed treatment.
* Accept responsibility for decisions he/she makes with regard to treatment.
Enquiries
If you wish to make an enquiry, please telephone the hospital switchboard at 036
– 637 2111.
Visiting Hours
Daily 1100 – 1200 / 18h00 – 19h00
The ward sister will determine the number of visitors for a patient.
Business Hours
1. Primary Healthcare clinic and out-patients
Open from 07h00 to 16h30 on weekdays. Closed on public holidays.
2. Emergency (casualty) department
Open 24 hours a day. Medical cover available for the full 24 hours.
3. Pharmacy
Open from 07h30 to 13h00 and from 14h00 to 16h15 weekdays
4. Administrative Offices
Open from 07h30 to 16h15. Closed at weekends and on public holidays.
5. High Care/Intensive Care Unit
Visiting hours are as for the normal wards but may be disrupted if the ICU is
busy. The sister in charge will accommodate special visits for critically ill
patients. Visitors are strictly limited to two (2) per patient and must be close
relatives.
Ministers of religion are welcome to visit members of their congregation in
hospital.
Complaints
If a patient is dissatisfied with the attention or treatment received they may
inform their doctor or the sister in charge of the ward or unit. Alternatively
they may ask to speak to the PRO.
A written complaint may be sent to the Matron or Hospital Manager.
Patients are requested to lodge their complaints whilst still in hospital as it
is more difficult to investigate a complaint after several weeks have passed.
The hospital management undertakes to investigate any complaint in an unbiased
manner. Serious cases will be referred to Head Office or to the Professional
body concerned. The complainant may be asked to give evidence at a disciplinary
hearing.
Public telephones are situated at:
* At outpatients entrance
* Passages leading to the wards 1, M1, F1
* Tuck shop entrance
Security
Firearms are not permitted on the hospital premises.
The security guards reserve the right to search any vehicle and luggage taken in
and out of the hospital premises
Tuckshop
Located on the hospital premises, next to the entrance to the hospital opens
from 08h00, daily.
Smoking
Smoking is a serious health hazard and all patients are advised not to smoke.
Ladysmith Provincial Hospital is a No Smoking Hospital.
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Copyright © KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, 2001