Patient Guide
Advance Directives
You have the right to make choices regarding your health care. You can
prepare for the possibility that you will be unable to make health care
decisions by making your wishes known in advance. Your wishes can be communicated
through "advance directives." You have the right to name someone
else to make health care decisions for you when you cannot. You can do
this by completing a power of attorney for health care. In this document,
you can name an adult relative or friend that you trust as your "agent"
to speak for you when you are too sick to make your own decisions. After
you chose your agent, be sure that your agent understands your wishes
and will be comfortable communicating your wishes should the need arise.
The types of decisions your agent can make include to approval or disapproval
of tests, procedures and medications; selection and discharge of a provider
or institution; directions to provide, withhold/withdraw artificial nutrition
and hydration, and all other forms of health care. If you wish, you can
limit the type of decisions your agent can make for you. You can also
give an advance directive about when you would or would not want medical
treatment. You can indicate when you would choose to prolong life, whether
you wish to be kept free of pain, even if it were to speed up death, or
any other special wishes you have regarding your healthcare. Please discuss
your wishes with your physicians, especially your primary care physician.
You can also give an advance directive as to which, if any, organs you
would like to donate in the event of your death. You do not have to have
a written advance directive. You may communicate your wishes to your physicians
and nurses, and ask them to write down your wishes in the chart. However,
your wishes will probably be clearer and more likely to be accepted by
your family and others, if your write them down. For more information
about advance directives, please contact Social services at (714) 843-5037.
Concerns and Complaints
If you are concerned about something whether it is your care, your room,
your meals, your testing schedule, your visitors or anything else - please
let us know without delay; and we will try to remedy the situation immediately.
Be assured that you can speak to your caregivers in confidence. If you
would rather not talk about your problem with your nurse, you may meet
with the supervisor or manager on your unit for a confidential discussion
of your concern. Please be assured that the presentation of a complaint
or concern will not compromise your treatment. Our goal is to provide
healthcare that is supportive of patient and family wishes, recognizing
that situations and decision-making can, at times, cause conflicts in
the course of healthcare delivery.
The Bioethics Committee
Sometimes a difficult choice must be made from two or more alternatives,
none of which completely provides a satisfactory answer. The Bioethics
Committee is composed of physicians and hospital staff members and it
functions as an advisory body to Huntington Beach Hospital regarding ethical
and moral issues which arise in the provision of medical care. Access
to the Ethics Committee is available to patients and their families. Ask
your nurse for access. If the problem is with him or her, then ask for
the department manager or their supervisor; and request an ethical consultation.
A representative from the Bioethics Committee will discuss your concerns
with you and contact the appropriate health team members for further consultation,
if needed.
Medical Social Work
Our Medical Social Services Department is a part of the total healthcare
team that is working to assure that the support and compassionate care
our patients and families need during hospitalization is there. We can
assist you and your family in dealing with emotional, social and/or economic
stresses which may occur as a result of illness and hospitalization. We
are also specialists in identifying the many community, state and federal
resources that may be of help to you in the weeks ahead. If you need help
in sorting out your needs, ask your nurse to contact a social worker for you.
Informed Consent
You have the right to be informed about any procedures, tests, or operations
to be performed on you. It is expected that the physician will talk with
you about the benefits of your treatments and will explain the risks,
complications including unanticipated outcomes that could happen, as well
as other treatment that could help you.
Pain Management
Pain management is an important part of your care. You have the right to
expect that pain will be identified, addressed, and treated. Good pain
control allows you to feel more rested, more in control and speeds up
your recovery. We, here at
Huntington Beach Hospital, feel responsible to listen to your concerns about pain. Even though it
is not always possible to provide you with complete pain relief, controlling
your pain will help you to be more comfortable. This will allow you to
move easier after your surgery or procedure, help prevent complications,
and can even shorten your hospital stay. We will help you make reasonable
and desirable pain relief goals. One of the most important things you
can do is tell us about your pain. Sometimes people assume we can tell
they are having pain, but this is not always true. Only you know when
you are in pain, how bad it is, and what it feels like. When you describe
the intensity, type, location and duration of your pain, you help us to
do a better job of caring for you. Your healthcare providers will listen
to the way you describe your pain and how you think it will be relieved
to help them decide what medicine or other pain relief measures to use.
Medical Records
The records of your hospital stay are kept in the hospital Medical Records
Department. You have been issued a unique medical record number and all
of your records will be compiled into a unit record under that number.
If you have a need for a copy of your record for personal use, there is
a nominal charge. We will be happy to copy your record for any physician
who is to provide continued medical care for your well being at no charge.
Although we are staffed seven days a week for the processing of records,
we are only open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday. We are closed evenings, weekends and holidays. The direct telephone
line to the Medical Records Department is (714) 843-5069.
Infection Control
It is important that all visitors adhere to hospital visiting and isolation
practices. Visitors with signs of a communicable disease or infection
(including colds and flu) should not visit patients who are hospitalized.
All visitors should refrain from sitting on the patient's bed, using
the patients' bathroom and handling the patient's personal belongings.
Remember -handwashing is the single most important means of preventing
the spread of infection. If a patient has a contagious disease, special
isolation precautions will be initiated and only adult family members
will be permitted to visit. To protect patients and guests, all visitors
will receive instruction on isolation procedures prior to entering an
isolation room, including the use of gloves, gowns, masks and other protective
furnishings.
Medications
During your hospitalization, all necessary medications will be prescribed
for you by your physician. For this reason, you should leave all other
prescriptions and over-the-counter preparations at home, unless your physician
advised you otherwise. Even a simple aspirin can interfere with the way
certain therapies work, so please notify your nurse if you've brought
any medications with you. We are interested in all medications you are
taking at home, and will ask you what they are as part of your initial
assessment. It is always helpful if you have a written list of names,
times and doses of medication you are using, including those prescribed
by a specialist, such as eye drops or topical creams.
Smoking
To provide a healthful and comfortable environment for all patients and
visitors,
Huntington Beach Hospital maintains a smoke free environment. Patients and visitors are
not allowed to smoke anywhere in the hospital, including the cafeteria,
restrooms or lounges. Smoking is also prohibited on the grounds, except
where designated by signage, for patients only.
Patient and Family Education
We believe that patient education is one of the most important ways every
patient can help their own recovery. Knowing what is wrong with you and
what treatments are available, allow you to help make the decisions about
your care that you want. We know that everyone has his or her own ways
of learning. We want to help you learn about your condition in the easiest
way possible. You will be asked questions about how you learn best, if
you have any religious or cultural beliefs that will affect our teaching.
The types of topics we want to cover include how to be safe, nutrition,
how to safely take your medicines, how to use any equipment you need and
any questions you have about your diagnosis
Condition Reports
When friends call to inquire about your condition, the call will be directed
to your room. More detailed information can be released to one immediate
family member designated by you. If you'd prefer that we withhold
all information, including your condition and location within the hospital,
please notify your nurse.
Your Environment
A big part of getting settled is becoming acquainted with your new surroundings.
Your room is where you will spend most of your time, and it is designed
to be as cheerful and pleasant as possible, while allowing for comfort
and safety. If your accommodations are semi-private, please be considerate
of your roommate's needs, and limit your visitors and activities accordingly.
Language Interpretation Services
Because we provide healthcare services to people with culturally and physically
diverse backgrounds, we provide a variety of options for interpretation
services, including through the Cyracom Blue Phone system. There is no
charge for these services.
Read our Language Interpretation Services Policy here.
Debido a que ofrecemos servicios de atención médica a personas
con antecedentes culturales y físicos diversos, ofrecemos una variedad
de opciones para servicios de interpretación, incluso a través
del sistema Cyracom Blue Phone. No hay ningún cargo por estos servicios.
The Call System
There is a call button at your bedside and a pull cord in the bathroom
to summon assistance. Just press the button or pull the cord and a staff
member will respond in person or by intercom. Please don't hesitate
to use it if you have questions or need help.
Telephones
Keeping in touch with loved ones is important, especially when you are
ill. For your convenience, there is a private phone on your bedside table.
Your extension number is your room number, with the exception of specialty
areas such as ICU. If friends or family want to reach you, they can call
(714) 843-5000 and ask the operator to connect them to your room. Special
amplifying devices for those hearing impaired are available upon request.
Cellular Telephones
Cellular telephone use is prohibited while in the hospital building, as
it may interfere with patient monitoring and other medical equipment.
Television
Sometimes the days can seem long, when you are in the hospital. For your
comfort, your room is equipped with a television set. To hear television
programs, change channels, and tune into radio stations, use the bedside control.
Personal Valuables and Belongings
Huntington Beach Hospital cannot be responsible for valuables that you
keep in your possession. You should leave your jewelry, money (large sum),
wallets and purses at home to ensure their safekeeping. Please be alert
concerning your belongings such as dentures, contact lenses, eyeglasses,
hearing aids and comparable personal belongings. Please store these items
carefully when not in use. Never leave them on a meal tray or wrap them
in tissue paper. If you forget to leave your valuables at home and do
not wish to entrust them to a friend or relative, they may be deposited
in the Huntington Beach Hospital safe for safekeeping. Ask your nurse
for assistance.
Personal Equipment
The hospital maintains strict safety requirements on all electrical and
battery operated appliances used in the patient care environment. No personal
electrical devices are allowed, including hair dryers, curling irons,
electric shavers, radios and similar equipment. The operation of cellular
phones is not allowed anywhere in the building for patient safety.
Mealtimes
Breakfast is usually served by a health team member between 7:30 and 8:00
a.m. Lunch is delivered between 12:00 and 12:30 p.m. Dinner usually arrives
between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Snacks are available upon request and are served
at 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., if your diet is not restricted.
Food Service
Proper nutrition can be as crucial to your health as the right therapy
or medication. In fact, food can play such an important role in your recovery
that your diet is personally prescribed by your physician and carefully
planned by a registered dietitian. Please feel free to ask your nurse
questions regarding your meals.
Housekeeping
Our housekeeping staff makes sure your room is neat and clean each day.
They're especially sensitive to your needs for privacy and quiet and
try to complete their tasks discreetly, with as little disturbance as
possible. If you have any special housekeeping requests, please let one
of our staff members know.
Mail and Flowers
If you are going to be with us for more than a day, your loved ones may
want to send you flowers and cards wishing you a speedy recovery. Mail
should be addressed to your name and room number. A volunteer or staff
member will deliver flowers to your room as soon as they arrive with the
exception of specialty areas, such as ICU or Step Down. Those patients
may receive flowers after they are transferred to the medical or surgical
floor. Mail will be delivered to your room. If you are not there, it will
be left on your bedside table. Mail received after you leave the hospital
will be sent to your forwarding address.
Case Management
Case Managers are experienced professionals who collaboratively monitor
and coordinate your care while assessing your needs on an ongoing basis
during your stay at Huntington Beach Hospital. They work closely with
your physician and the healthcare team, as well as your insurer, to assure
you receive the highest quality care. Your Case Manager will work with
you and your family to arrange for appropriate post discharge needs.
Discharge Planning
The first thing most people think about when they enter a hospital is,
"When can I go Home?" Going home from the hospital or to another
facility can present special needs and challenges. Please let your nurse
or any member of your healthcare team know if you have any special concerns
regarding your needs after leaving the hospital as early as possible.
Your healthcare team begins thinking and formulating a plan with you for
your discharge early in your hospital stay. A variety of healthcare team
members will help minimize any problems and assist you in transitioning
from one level of care to another. In collaboration with you and your
family and the physician, your case manager, discharge planner, social
worker and nurse can assist in arranging the appropriate after hospital
services you may need. These services may include home healthcare, skilled
nursing facilities, and/or resources to enhance the success of your hospital stay.
Leaving the Hospital
When you and your doctor decide you are ready, you will leave the hospital
to continue your recovery at home or at a transitional facility. Before
you go, your physician and nurse will review your discharge papers and
discuss your post-hospital care with you and your family. Make sure you
understand your physician's instructions. The entire healthcare team
is available to assist in answering your questions. Don't forget to
arrange for a ride home with a relative or friend well in advance of your
discharge.
Home Health
If extended care is necessary after you are discharged, your doctor can
request assistance through the case management department. Ask your nurse
or health care provider for details.