PATIENT GUIDE Key Information For Your Stay
FACTS FOR YOUR STAY
MANAGING PAIN
CHECKLIST FOR DISCHARGE
CHS CANCER CENTER AT ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL
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Long IsLand’s Leaders In rehabILItatIon NSPC-BNS-Team-2017-StJ PatientGuide.indd 2 10/23/17 1:00 PM A 320-Bed Facility Featuring: • Skilled Nursing Care • Short-Term Rehabilitation: • Physical • Occupational • Speech • Stroke • Cardiac • Pulmonary • Orthopedic • IV Therapy • Wound Care • Sub-Acute Care • Adult Day Care
For more information or to schedule a visit, call: 400 South Service Rd., Melville, NY | 631-439-3000 View our virtual tour at www.HuntingtonHillsCenter.com CONTENTS On Our Cover CHS Cancer Center at St. Joseph Hospital...... 4 Facts for Your Stay...... 6 Managing Pain...... 13 Checklist for Discharge...... 15
...... WELCOME 2 PAGE ABOUT US...... 3 9 PHONE DIRECTORY...... 5
FAST FACTS ABOUT YOUR STAY...... 6 Take Charge Plus TV Channel Listings of Your Care SPECIAL SECTION...... 9 n 7 Ways to Take Charge LEAVING THE HOSPITAL...... 15 n SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH...... 17 Patient/Family Advisor Heart Attack & Stroke Warning Signs Committee Stop Smoking Diabetes n Choose a Support Person CONTINUING HEALTH n Check IDs CARE ASSISTANCE...... 20 ST. FRANCIS IMAGING AT n Help Prevent Infections ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL...... 21 n Viruses or Bacteria MEDICINE TRACKER...... 22 n WHO’S CARING FOR YOU...... 23 Don’t Ignore Pain GAMES...... 24 n Prevent Falls
n Speak Up!
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1 WELCOME
Thank You for Trusting Us
t is my pleasure to welcome and we strive to instill focused One of the most important you to St. Joseph Hospital. customer service throughout measures of a hospital’s success At St. Joseph Hospital, all of our patient care areas. Our is the quality of its staff, the Iwe are committed to providing highly skilled team—your friends heart and soul of St. Joseph the highest level of quality care and neighbors—are proud to Hospital. Here you will be treated in a safe and friendly manner. continuously offer exceptional by our experienced health You can be assured that St. health care, close to home. We are care professionals—talented, Joseph Hospital is committed committed to working diligently board-certified physicians and to promptly diagnosing and to treat our patients with the experienced, knowledgeable treating your medical needs. Our utmost compassion and respect. nurses and support staff. All of primary focus is our patients’ and We constantly seek feedback our physicians, nurses, employees families’ comfort, convenience from our patients and families and volunteers are dedicated and confidentiality. Our faith- in order to improve the overall to providing compassionate, based mission and values, as well patient experience. We want high-quality care and making as our strong customer service your experience at St. Joseph your hospital stay with us as philosophy, guide our actions Hospital to be excellent and will comfortable as possible. Thank every day. do everything we can to exceed you for choosing St. Joseph We are committed to continually your expectations. If you have any Hospital. It is our privilege to take improving the patient experience issues or comments, please do not care of you. at St. Joseph Hospital. We hesitate to contact our Patient Sincerely, Advocate at 516-520-2218. understand you have many choices Peter Scaminaci for your health care services, EVP/CAO
MISSION STATEMENT We, at Catholic Health Services, humbly join together to bring Christ’s healing mission and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church expressed in Catholic health care to our communities.
2 ABOUT US Photo courtesy of Peter Foley ©
Why We Are the Right Choice for Your Care
Located in Bethpage, St. Joseph Department and cares for 6,000 Our Diabetes Education Center Hospital is a 203-bed hospital inpatients per year. The hospital provides expert education about serving the communities of provides inpatient and ambulatory how to live with diabetes for southeastern Nassau County surgical services, endoscopy and a patients recently diagnosed with and western Suffolk County. variety of outpatient services. Our diabetes and for those patients The hospital became part of radiology services include: who have had challenges managing Catholic Health Services of Long • Outpatient Radiology (fully their diabetes in the past. Classes Island in 2010. The hospital is accredited by the American also are available for patients fully accredited by The Joint College of Radiology) with pre-diabetes. Support for Commission, earning a Gold Seal • Cardiac CT Scan – revolutionary patients with insulin pumps also is of Approval. St. Joseph Hospital way to look at your heart and provided. has been recognized for its pinpoint disease long before The St. Joseph Hospital Center commitment to patient safety symptoms start. The scanner for Sleep Medicine will diagnose and high-quality care. Winner allows your physician to examine and recommend appropriate of Catholic Health System’s the health of the blood vessels treatments to address symptoms Inaugural Pinnacle Award in around your heart. of sleep disorders. The center has 2014 and second place winner • General Radiology – X-rays, six overnight sleep study suites. in 2015 and 2016, St. Joseph is fluoroscopy Your sleep test can be scheduled the proud recipient of the 2017 • CT Scanning – new equipment quickly without waiting. Our Healthcare Association of New uses the lowest radiation doses hotel-like suites are equipped with York State (HANYS) Pinnacle possible while maintaining queen-sized beds, private baths, Award for Quality and Patient excellent image quality flat screen TVs and sophisticated Safety. In addition to the many • MRI monitoring equipment. recent patient safety and quality • Ultrasonography – abdominal, • Physicians are board certified achievements, St. Joseph secured breast, gynecologic and recognized as experts in the 2017 Get With The Guidelines® • Nuclear Medicine diagnosing and treating sleep Stroke Gold Plus Award and AFIB • Digital Mammography disorders. Gold Achievement Award. • Stereotactic Breast Biopsy • Certified technicians monitor your The hospital provides care to • Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory sleep cycle during an overnight 33,000 patients in the Emergency sleep study test.
3 ABOUT US continued
• The center offers the latest comprehensive assessment and at St. Joseph Hospital is a six- technology and highly trained treatment for children and adults chair infusion unit that provides specialists in the field of sleep with speech and swallowing patients who require intravenous medicine in a comfortable, problems by an expert staff. therapy such as chemotherapy, IV contemporary setting. antibiotics, blood transfusions, A Lung Cancer Screening therapeutic phlebotomy, infusion Outpatient Balance/Vestibular Program is now available at St. medications for osteoporosis, & Foot Physical Therapy offers Joseph Hospital. Asymptomatic etc., a comfortable and controlled specialized one-to-one treatment patients who are at high risk for environment. Intravenous therapy for patients suffering from balance lung cancer will have an intake and in a community hospital is not only and foot disorders including physical examination performed safe, but allows the patient the vertigo, BPPV, dizziness, foot or by a nurse practitioner, then a convenience of being close to home. ankle pain and gait instability. low-dose CT scan of the chest, if appropriate. Enrollees are Designed for patient satisfaction The Wound Care and Hyperbaric expected to have annual visits with and comfort, our treatment unit Oxygen Therapy Center provides the program and scans based on comprehensive care to complex provides specialized, high-quality, recommended guidelines. Results wounds through a team approach individualized care to all patients. involving wound care nurses, will be shared with the patient’s The unit is: general surgeons, podiatrists, primary care physician. • Staffed by certified infusion/ chemotherapy nurses vascular surgeons and plastic Cost for participating in the surgeons. The St. Joseph Wound • Open six days a week program will either be free or a • Convenient morning to early Care Center was the first wound small insurance co-pay. healing center on Long Island to be evening hours. accredited and reaccredited by the In September 2017, St. Joseph Physician referrals are required. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Hospital expanded its outpatient For more information about Society. capabilities with a state-of-the- all these services, call 516-520- art infusion center. The Catholic 2500. The Outpatient Speech and Health Services Cancer Center Swallowing Center provides
4 PHONE DIRECTORY
Local Calls If you are in the B Unit, T Unit or Progressive Care To dial area code 516, dial 9 + the number. Unit (PCU), your telephone number is 516-520-____ . To dial area codes 631, 718, 934 and 212, If you are in the S Unit, your telephone number is dial 9 + 1 + area code + number. 516-802-____. All other calls must be made through an outside For TV or telephone service and charges, please call operator. These calls can be made collect, billed to ext. 5555. From outside the hospital, please call 888- another number or by credit/calling card. 875-8872. Cash, checks (payable to TVRC) and Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit Long-Distance Calls cards are acceptable. Dial 9 + 1 + 800 + CALL ATT (225-5288). Dial 9 + 1 + 800 + COLLECT (265-5328). An outside operator will come on the line to assist you.
OTHER HOSPITAL SERVICES B Unit 520-2313 Financial Assistance/ S Unit 520-2442 520-2507 Patient Relations 520-2218 Charity Care RN Manager 520-2671 520-2228 Case Management/ Quality/ 520-2460 Food Service 520-2262 or Social Work Risk Management 520-2371 Coffee Shop 520-2450 Housekeeping 520-2305 Radiology 520-2330 520-2639 Hyperbarics & Community Relations 520-2253 520-2788 Safety & Security or 0 for the Wound Care operator Corporate 520-2311 or Infusion Center 520-2300 Sleep Center 520-2521 Compliance Hotline 866-272-0004 Critical Care 520-2411 516-520-2217, SDU 520-5435 or 0 for the Speech & Language Coordinator 520-2667 PCU 520-2415 nursing Swallowing RN Manager 520-2409 supervisor Medical Staff Office/ Telemetry 520-2342 Customer Service 520-2800 520-2387 Physician Referral RN Manager 520-2771 Diabetes Education Outpatient Physical Volunteer 520-2214 520-2280 520-2801 Center Therapy Services Development/ 520-2301 Pastoral Care 520-2706 Donations Engineering 520-2266 Patient Information 520-2298
For calls made within the hospital, simply dial the four-digit extension.
5 FAST FACTS ABOUT YOUR STAY
An A-Z Guide to the Most Frequently Asked Questions
ATM emergency, hospital staff will tell you staff. Tell your doctor about any Located in the main lobby. what to do. medicines you regularly take. Cafeteria Hearing Impaired Parking Location: The sign language interpretation Free visitor parking is available in Lower level service is provided by CyraCom and the rear parking lot. Handicapped Hours: available to our patients. parking also is available for patients and visitors. Breakfast: Housekeeping 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Our Housekeeping Department Pastoral Care Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and its staff are dedicated to making The Pastoral Care Department at Open Monday through Friday. sure our facility has a clean and safe St. Joseph Hospital offers healing Closed holidays. environment for you, your family ministry, spiritual and emotional All visitors are welcome to dine and visitors. If for any reason you support, and bereavement in the cafeteria. have a housekeeping need, please call counseling. Our trained staff is Coffee Shop ext. 2305 or 0 for the operator. committed to providing you and Location: Main lobby your loved ones with the support and Medical Records Request spiritual resources needed during Hours: Monday through Friday: All patient information contained your stay with us. 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the medical record is confidential and stored in the Medical Records Our chapel is located on the first Saturday and Sunday: floor; it is open for your quiet prayer 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Department. If you need a copy of your medical record, a written moments and meditation. Mass is Donations release is required. Please call ext. celebrated Sundays and Wednesdays For information on donations, please 2822 for more information. at noon. For more information, contact the Development Office at contact the Pastoral Care Office at 516-520-2301. Medicines ext. 2706. Please do not bring any prescription Fire Safety or over-the-counter medicines to the Personal Belongings and We conduct fire drills from time hospital. All medicines you take in Valuables to time. If you hear an alarm, the hospital need to be prescribed, Personal care items such as contact stay where you are. In an actual filled and given to you by hospital lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids
6 n and dentures can be stored in your requested or medically necessary. Please observe the Precaution bedside stand when not in use. Please let our staff know if you and Isolation signs posted Please do not put them on your bed require this service. outside of the patient rooms. or food tray to help avoid them being These practices help protect our St. Joseph Hospital also offers lost or damaged. Leave valuables patients, their visitors, and hospital language translation services. like jewelry or cash at home, or give staff from infections. Connect to a phone interpreter them to a trusted relative or friend in hundreds of languages within Visitor Information to watch over. St. Joseph Hospital seconds. Please let our staff know St. Joseph Hospital understands cannot be responsible for replacing that having loved ones by your side personal belongings. if you require this service. For additional assistance, please call the can help with your healing and Public Restrooms Language Coordinator at 516-520- care. You have the right to choose For everyone’s health and safety, 2776 or Nursing Supervisor at 0. and prioritize visitors from among we ask visitors not to use patient family, friends, partners, personal TV restrooms. Public restrooms are care aides or other individuals Each patient room has a television. located throughout the hospital. (regardless of the person’s gender Please be considerate of others Ask hospital staff to direct you to or your relationship to the person). by keeping the volume down and the nearest one. You also can choose a support turning off your TV at bedtime. person to be present throughout Smoking TVs are controlled by the bedside your stay, unless that person’s St. Joseph Hospital is a smoke-free pillow speaker or side rail controls. presence affects your health or the hospital. You are not allowed to Closed captioning is available for rights or safety of other patients. If smoke anywhere in the hospital or the hearing impaired. Ask a staff you have any questions about your on the hospital grounds. E-cigarettes member if you have questions visitation rights, contact Nursing and/or vaping are not permitted. about using your TV. See p. 8 for Administration at ext. 2215/2216. Telephone information regarding channel Most patient rooms listings and activation. Visiting Hours Visitors are welcome at any time have phones. To Vending Machines during the patient’s stay. Patients place a call within Here you can find beverages and may request their support person the hospital, dial snacks 24 hours a day. They are to be at their side during a time the extension. To located in the rear of the cafeteria, of pain, anxiety or need. Visitors dial local, please Emergency Department waiting area also may stay with the patient press 9 first then and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) when they are in the hospital’s number. To dial long distance, please waiting area. call the operator for assistance. For Emergency Department, or are telephone activation and charges, Visitor Guidelines here for outpatient services or please call ext. 5555. TTY phone To provide a restful and safe ambulatory surgery. Visitors may access is available through TV rental. environment, we ask that visitors be allowed in the post-anesthesia TTY (text telephone) is a special follow these guidelines: care unit for a specified period n device that lets people who are deaf, Do not visit if you have a cold, sore of time at the discretion of the hard of hearing, or speech impaired throat, fever or other illness. physician and the unit. n Avoid noisy, disruptive behavior use the telephone to communicate, Volunteer Services to help respect the healing of all allowing them to type messages back Volunteers assist in greeting patients patients. and forth to one another instead of and visitors, distributing magazines n Ask before bringing foods, talking and listening. Our staff will and newspapers to our patients and drinks, or other items like balloons, help you access these services. helping with clerical duties in various flowers or perfume that might departments. Volunteers also are Translation Services trigger allergies into patient rooms. needed for our pet therapy program. St. Joseph Hospital offers n Wash your hands before We encourage you to be part of the sign language interpreters for entering patient rooms. St. Joseph Hospital volunteer team deaf patients by video remote n Make sure all children have and make a difference! For more interpreting and with live in-person a supervising adult with information on volunteering at St. sign language interpreters when them at all times.
7 FAST FACTS ABOUT YOUR STAY continued
Joseph Hospital, please call 1. To connect from a personal 4. You should now be able to use the volunteer coordinator at device, please open your your internet browser to surf 516-520-2801. Wi-Fi icon and connect to the the internet. Wheelchairs signal indicating “CHS_Guest.” Note: On certain devices, you may Wheelchairs are available for 2. Once connected, you will first be required to delete your browser visitor use. Please see Security at be forwarded to a Certificate cache and/or temporarily internet the main lobby or call ext. 2298. Acceptance Screen, which you files before proceeding. must “Accept.” Wi-Fi Complimentary wireless internet 3. After this, you will be presented access is available throughout the with the CHS Disclaimer Notice. hospital. Please follow these simple Please read thoroughly; click on steps on how to connect: “Accept” to proceed.
ANNE H L C
TV Channel Listings H l o 8 e Check out our special sp nn hospital channel: ital Cha 2 CBS 15 Fox News 27 WLNY 4 NBC 16 USA 28 WLIW 5 FOX 17 TBS 29 TLC 7 ABC 18 Discovery Channel 30 Discovery Health 9 My – 9 20 CNN Headline News 31 Univision (Spanish) 10 Bloomberg 21 Cartoon Network 32 Telemundo (Spanish) 11 PIX 22 The Weather Channel 33 Freeform 12 TCM 23 FX 34 Animal Planet Matthew Kowalski’s “Feel Good” 13 PBS 24 AMC 36 Movie Channel (Eagle Scout Project) 14 TNT 26 Telecare 50 Chapel Channel
For TV or telephone service and charges, please call ext. 5555. From outside the hospital, please call 888-875-8872. Cash, checks (payable to TVRC) and Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards are acceptable. Pet Therapy Our four-legged, certified pet therapy dogs, along with their owners, visit non-critical patient areas of the hospital as well as the waiting rooms. Before entering a patient’s room, patients are asked if they have any allergies and if they would like a visit with the dogs. Then the magic begins! Patients’ reactions to our furry friends are priceless. For more information about our pet therapy program, please call 516-520-2801.
8 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CARE 7 KEY WAYS TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CARE
SPEAK UP. Ask questions and voice concerns. It’s your KNOW YOUR MEDS. Understand what your medicines body, and you have the right to know. treat, why you need them and how to take them for the best results. PAY ATTENTION. Always double-check that you are getting the right treatments and medicines from the CHECK BEFORE YOU GO. Make an informed decision right hospital staff. when selecting additional health care services. Choose only accredited providers who meet patient safety and EDUCATE YOURSELF. Learn about your medical quality standards. Go to www.qualitycheck.org to learn condition, tests and treatment options so you know why more. following your care plan is so important. PARTICIPATE IN YOUR CARE. You are the center of FIND A SUPPORT PERSON. Pick someone to help your health care team. Make sure you know what’s speak up for your care and needs during your stay. happening every step of the way—from admission through discharge.
Source: The content within the “Take Charge of Your Care” section reinforces the safety and quality care goals and standards issued by The Joint Commission and other hospital accreditation organizations.
PATIENT/FAMILY ADVISOR COMMITTEE At St. Joseph Hospital, patients and their families are Time Commitment valuable members of the health care team who have Meetings are held on a monthly basis. Currently, it important perspectives, feedback and solutions. Our is the third Wednesday of the month from 5:00 p.m. patient/family advisor committee creates a space for to 6:00 p.m. We request that patient/family advisors that feedback. As a patient/family advisor, you would serve for a one-year term. For more information, partner with other patients and family members, please call 516-520-2873 or 516-520-2409. health care providers and staff to raise issues, Patient Pledge communicate patient and family concerns, and help n We will introduce ourselves, including our name, job with problem-solving. When we all work together, the title and function. n We will listen to questions or concerns and discuss health care experience can be improved for everyone. your expectations. Together we will identify any What is the Role of a Patient/Family Advisor? special needs and take steps to address them. n Patient/family advisors at St. Joseph Hospital are We will discuss and coordinate your treatment plan with you. expected to: n We will do our best to maintain your preferred comfort n Channel information, ideas and needs of patients and level. families to administrators and staff n We will check your ID before any procedure, n Review communication documents (brochures, medication, treatment, etc. and label specimens and patient education materials, etc.) belongings in your presence. n Assist in establishing priorities related to patient and n We will clean our hands before and after any care. family needs n We will work with you to maintain a safe, clean and n Discuss opportunities for improvement from patient clutter-free environment. perspective n We will treat you and your family with respect and n Gauge reactions to patient-centered initiatives dignity. n We will do our best to preserve your privacy and honor your wishes.
9 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CARE continued
CHOOSE A SUPPORT PERSON A trusted friend or family member can be a big help during your hospital stay. Select one key person to be your health care advocate. If you become stressed or your ability to communicate changes, this person can stand in for you—and stand up for your care. A support person can:
n ask questions you might not think of and write down information
n double-check your medicines and treatments
n watch for signs your condition Don’t forget to tell the staff who you’ve picked to be is getting worse and ask for help your support person.
CHECK IDS While you are here, many people will care for you (doctors, nurses, aides, technologists), and these same people will care for many patients. To prevent errors in your care:
Ask to see the ID of everyone who comes into your room so you know the name and job of the person caring for you. If you do not see an ID badge, contact your nurse immediately. Speak up if hospital staff does not check your ID. Any time staff enters your room to give you medicine, transport you, or perform procedures or treatments, state your name and birth date. This may seem repetitive at times, but it helps ensure you receive the correct care.
Double-Check
Always double-check your name and date of birth with staff to avoid errors.
10 HELP PREVENT INFECTIONS Sometimes a patient develops an infection while n Ask your visitors to clean their hands every time being treated in the hospital or other medical facility. they enter your room. And ask them to follow any It could be an infection from germs that enter the special instructions from your doctors and nurses. body at a surgery site. It could be an infection that n Clean your own hands often with soap and water or develops from germs carried on a piece of medical hand sanitizer, especially after using the bathroom. equipment. There are many possible causes. n If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose Infections like these are called healthcare-associated with a tissue and discard the tissue right away. Then infections, or HAIs, and we take them very seriously. clean your hands. The good news is that we can prevent many of them, n If your treatment involves a medical device like a and you can help. urinary catheter, ask the doctors and nurses why it’s What are the common signs of healthcare-associated needed and when it will be removed. infections (HAIs)? n Report any symptoms you have to your doctors n Fever or nurses. n Nausea At home: n Unexpected pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling n You’ll use many of the same precautions at home at the surgical site or the place where medical that you will in the hospital. equipment like an IV has been inserted n f your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, take them Common HAIs include: exactly as your doctor tells you to. n Infections caused by C. difficile or Methicillin- n Keeping your hands clean is important. Clean your resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) own hands often with soap and water or alcohol- n Infections that occur at the places where you’ve had based hand rubs (hand sanitizer), especially before surgery or where a catheter or IV has been inserted touching any medical equipment, before eating and into your body after using the bathroom. n Lung infections (pneumonia) caused by using n Ask your visitors and the people who live with you to a ventilator keep their hands clean, too. If they’re assisting with your care by doing things like changing a dressing, HAIs can happen any time you’re getting medical they must wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer care whether it’s in a hospital, at a rehab facility, or at every time. home. If you think you have an HAI, tell your doctors or nurses immediately. Having one or more of these n Understand how to care for any medical device like symptoms might not mean you have a healthcare- a catheter you are using at home. Ask questions if associated infection, but you want to be sure. you’re unsure.
n How are HAIs treated? Keep a list of medical professionals to contact if you have questions or problems. If you have symptoms, If you get one of these infections, your doctor is likely contact your doctor or a nurse immediately. to prescribe an antibiotic. It’s important that you take antibiotics exactly as the doctor tells you. n If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Patients who smoke get more infections. Here’s how you can help prevent HAIs. In the hospital: n Did you see your doctor or nurse clean their hands? If not, ask them to wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer) before they start working with you.
11 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CARE continued
12 DON’T IGNORE PAIN No one knows how much pain you are in but you. Tell your doctor or nurse when pain strikes or if it comes back again after it goes away. Talk about your pain level throughout the course of your stay. Ask yourself, then share with your nurse: n Where does it hurt? n When does it hurt? n Does it keep you from doing things—like sleeping, dressing, eating?
Starting to get uncomfortable? Pain medicine not working? Speak Which words describe your pain? up. You may need to get more of q aching q dull q sharp the current pain medicine you are q bloating q numbing q shooting on or switch to a different kind q q q of medicine to get relief. Don’t burning pressing soreness try to ignore painful symptoms. q comes and goes q pressure q stabbing Managing your pain will help with q constant q pulling q throbbing your healing process. Talk to your q cramping q radiating q tightness doctor or nurse when pain strikes. q cutting q searing
How bad is it on this pain scale? Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale
0 2 4 6 8 10 No Hurts Hurts Hurts Hurts Hurts Hurt Little Bit Little More Even More Whole Lot Worst
*Copyright 1983, Wong-Baker FACES® Foundation, www.WongBakerFACES.org. Used with permission.
13 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CARE continued PREVENT FALLS While you are here, you may feel dizzy or weak. Illness, procedures, medicines or even just lying down for too long can make you less steady on your feet. To keep yourself safe:
n Use the nurse call button for help getting out of bed.
n Ask for help going to the bathroom or walking around. (And use hospital handrails when they’re available.)
n Wear nonslip socks or footwear.
n Keep often-used items within easy reach (glasses, remote, tissues, etc.).
n Make sure your wheelchair is locked when you get in or out of it. Never step on the footrest.
Patients of all ages are at risk for falls. It’s better to be extra careful than risk another medical problem.
SPEAK UP! If you have questions or concerns, you have the right to ask and get a response from your doctor or nurse that makes sense to you.
Take Charge of Your Communication: Speak up if you have questions or concerns. Pay attention to the care you get. Educate yourself about your illness. Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter). Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Use a health care organization that has been carefully checked out. Participate in all decisions about your treatment.
To file a patient safety event or concern, you may contact the following: St. Joseph Hospital Patient Advocate 516-520-2218 New York State Department of Health 800-804-5447 The Joint Commission [email protected] Fax: 630-792-5636
14 Before You Leave the Hospital
A successful recovery after your stay starts with a solid plan before you go.
with the intention that you share how much support you’ll need in CHECKLIST FOR it with your follow-up providers. these areas:
n Personal care: bathing, eating, DISCHARGE p Medicine list. This includes dressing, toileting Make sure you have the following all your new and former information before you leave the prescriptions, over-the-counter n Home care: cooking, cleaning, hospital. medicines, vitamins and laundry, shopping
p Written Discharge Instructions. supplements. Ask if there are any n Health care: taking your You will be given two documents; medicines you can stop taking or medicines, doctor’s one will be labeled as your that are not good to take together. appointments, physical therapy, After-Visit Summary (AVS) Also make sure you know why, wound care, injections, medical and the other will be labeled as how and when to take each one. equipment your Summary of Care (SOC). p Follow-up care instructions. p Prescriptions. Check that Beyond medicine, this can include: The After-Visit Summary your pharmacy has your new includes your reason for being prescriptions and that you have a n foods or activities to avoid in the hospital, your follow-up plan to get them filled. n tests or appointments instructions, education specific to n how to care for incisions or use your care and your medications to p Local resources. Ask your equipment continue once you return home. discharge planner for help finding The Summary of Care will give a local after-care services or other n warning signs to watch for snapshot of your hospitalization, support groups. n daily living adjustments including pertinent testing. This (like how to get into bed) p After-hospital services. Know document will be given to you n who to call with questions 15 MyChart – the Patient Portal ADDITIONAL MyChart is an electronic patient portal that will FOLLOW-UP CARE allow you to view a synopsis of your hospitalization including medication listings and laboratory If you were seen by our health navigator and have any results, request prescription refills, communicate additional questions, please call 516-520-2469. If you with your provider and so much more. During your were discharged with any of the following conditions: hospitalization, a representative will come around to congestive heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation assist you with the sign-up process. If you would like (AFib), stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary to wait until you get home, an activation code will be disease (COPD) or have been recently prescribed the printed on your After-Visit Summary. Find out more medication warfarin (Coumadin) and would like to at mychart.chsli.org/mychartprod. hear a recording of discharge instructions, please call 516-520-2673.
Not Ready to Leave? You have the right to appeal your discharge if you don’t agree with the decision that you are ready to leave the hospital. Speak with your discharge planner or physician and share your concerns. You also may need to reach out to Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance company.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CARE n Tell your nurse if something doesn’t seem right. n Know what time you normally get medicine, and tell your nurse if you don’t get it. n Request drawings or illustrations to help you learn about your condition. You Are Key n Read and understand all medical forms before signing. Ask if you need You are the most important information explained. member of your health care team. Make sure you: n If your treatment involves medical equipment, practice using it with n Understand your treatment your nurse before you leave the hospital. n Ask questions n Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion. The more information you n Speak up about pain have, the better you will feel about making decisions. n Know your medicines n Talk to your doctor and family about whether you want life-saving n Plan early for a successful actions taken. discharge
16 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH: Heart Attack & Stroke Recognize the Signs and Get Help Quickly
A heart attack or stroke is a medical Stroke Warning Signs emergency and every second Think F.A.S.T. when it comes to counts. The faster you or a loved recognizing a stroke: one recognizes the symptoms and gets help, the better your chances F ACE DROOPING: Does one of surviving, with the least amount side of your face droop or is it of damage to your heart or brain. numb? Try to smile. Once you’ve had an event, you’re A RM WEAKNESS: Is one at greater risk of having another in arm weak or numb? Raise Call 911 as soon as you notice the future. But keep in mind that both arms. Does one arm drift symptoms. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms of a second event downward? they get better or try to drive can be different from what you S PEECH DIFFICULTY: Is your yourself to the hospital. experienced the first time. speech slurred? Are you unable Heart Attack Warning Signs to speak? Try to say a simple sentence like “The sky is blue.” Other sudden stroke symptoms The main symptom of a heart attack can include: is chest pain or discomfort. It also T IME TO CALL 911: If you can feel like pressure, fullness or notice any of these symptoms, n numbness or weakness in squeezing in your chest. These even if they go away, call 911 your leg feelings may start gradually and get right away. n confusion or trouble worse, or they may come and go. understanding Stroke Support Group The symptoms of a heart attack n trouble seeing in one or St. Joseph Hospital is proud to host both eyes can be different for women. a monthly support group for stroke
Women also may have unusual survivors and their family members n trouble walking, dizziness, loss heartburn, shortness of breath, to provide comfort, education of balance and coordination or they lightheadedness, nausea, and encouragement in a personal n severe headache with no known may feel tired or anxious weeks setting. To register, please call cause before a heart attack. 516-520-2500. Recognize the symptoms and get to the hospital quickly to help prevent damage to your heart and brain. Once you’re at the hospital, you may receive treatments and procedures that may help stop the progress of heart attacks and strokes.
17 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH: Stop Smoking Reduce Your Chances of Returning to the Hospital
No matter how long you’ve been a Be prepared to have nicotine Here’s How You Can smoker, it’s never too late to quit cravings. They usually pass soon, this unhealthy habit. The benefits so wait it out. The good news is S.T.A.R.T. start right away and last a lifetime: that they become weaker and less S ET a quit date. frequent the longer you go without n 20 MINUTES after quitting, smoking. When a craving hits, take T ELL your family, friends and co- your heart rate and blood pressure a walk, call a friend or do something workers that you plan to quit, and drop. else you enjoy. ask for their support. n 2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS after A NTICIPATE the challenges you’ll quitting, your circulation improves 3 Tips to Help You Quit face. and your lungs work better. R EMOVE cigarettes and other n 1 YEAR after quitting, your 1. Fight the Urge risk of heart disease is half that of Don’t let yourself think tobacco products from your house, a smoker’s. that you can have just one car and workplace. cigarette, but if you do n 5 YEARS after quitting, your risk T ALK to your doctor about getting slip, start again and make of mouth, throat, esophagus and help to quit—including medicines tomorrow your new first day bladder cancers is cut in half. or products that can help, and other to quit. n 10 YEARS after quitting, your tools and resources like those found 2. Get Moving risk of lung cancer is half that at the sites below: Exercise is a good way of a smoker’s. n to keep your mind off American Cancer Society: n www.cancer.org 15 YEARS after quitting, your risk cigarettes. The longer you of heart disease is the same as a go without smoking, the n National Cancer Institute: nonsmoker’s. better you can breathe www.smokefree.gov and the easier it will be to Ready, Set, Quit! Now that you’ve decided to quit, exercise. Local Resources to Help You Quit: take it one day at a time. Remind 3. Keep Your NYS Smokers’ Quitline – yourself that you are in control— Mouth Busy 866-NY-QUITS you can choose to smoke or not. Try toothpicks, Nicotine Anonymous – Make a commitment to yourself. celery, 631-655-0527 sugarless gum Green Seminar: Hypnosis for No smoking after ______or sugar-free ______Smoking Cessation – lollipops. 800-342-1303
18 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH: Diabetes Managing Diabetes During Your Hospital Stay
Keeping your blood sugar under Taking Medicine or Insulin Planning for Meals control takes careful attention. You’ll still need your medicines Once you’re admitted to the To help, make a diabetes care plan and insulin (if you take it) while in hospital, you will be put on a with your doctor or nurse. Include the hospital, but do not take them diabetic meal plan. If you need to information like: yourself. Your nursing staff will be take medicine, you also can ask to n how often your blood sugar responsible for giving them to you. see the hospital’s dietitian if your needs to be checked If you have questions about your blood sugar is too high or too low
n how often you need to take your schedule, it’s okay to ask. during your stay. medicines and insulin Avoid Infections n what to do if you can’t eat Having diabetes puts you at a Diabetes Education Center
n how to handle your insulin higher risk of getting an infection, St. Joseph Hospital hosts its pump if you have one so it’s important to be extra careful very own diabetes education during your hospital stay: program. With a variety of You also may want to ask a friend individual and group classes, or family member to be your n Ask everyone who comes our Diabetes Education diabetes advocate. Together you in your room to clean his or Center is sure to meet your can work with hospital staff to her hands. needs. Our support group follow your diabetes care plan. n Wash your own hands when you provides patients and their can, or ask for hand sanitizer to Tracking Your Blood Sugar family the opportunity to be placed near your bed. Tracking your blood sugar can give sit down with our certified you valuable information about n Tell your nurse about any cuts, diabetes educators in an how your body is working. It also sores or bruises that you have. open exchange of support, can help you make adjustments n Ask friends and family who advice and education. For if your numbers are generally too aren’t feeling well to stay home more information, call high or too low. and not visit. 516-520-2500. Being sick and taking new medicines can cause your blood sugar numbers to go up or down. Ask your nurse if your blood sugar needs to be tested more often.
19 CONTINUING HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE
Quick Guide to Recovery Options for After Your Stay Revolutionary Ways to Look at Your Heart
After your hospital stay, you may require additional Support Groups services. Catholic Health Services offers a variety of Bereavement Support Group continuing health care assistance, including home St. Joseph Hospital hosts two bereavement support care, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary and groups: a General bereavement support group for cardiac disease management, behavioral health those who have lost a loved one and a Loss of a Child services, home infusion therapy and total joint bereavement support group for those who have lost a management. child. Both groups offer six-week sessions. For more For information about any of these services, please call information or to register, please call 516-520-2500. 516-586-1421 or 631-465-6830 or visit Diabetes Support Group catholichomecare.chsli.org. Meets third Wednesday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to In addition, for hospice, please call 631-465-6300 or 2:00 p.m. For information, please call 516-520-2500. 516-586-1420 or visit goodshepherdhospice.chsli. org. For palliative care services, please call 631-828-7417. For telehealth, please call 631-828-7560.
Contact your health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid to find out what care and services are covered for you, and to obtain help with costs.
20 CONTINUING HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE ST. FRANCIS IMAGING AT ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL
Revolutionary Ways to Look at Your Heart
St. Joseph Hospital’s state-of-the- images of the heart are captured n Rapid Results: Results can be art cardiac CT scanner provides at an ultra fast speed to build a obtained the same day the test is revolutionary ways to look at three-dimensional (3D) picture administered. your heart and pinpoint disease of the organ. The images then What are the risks of the test? long before symptoms start. The are reviewed by a physician to n The test generally is very safe. scanner allows your physician to obtain valuable information There are several types of patients examine the health of the blood about the coronary arteries, heart that have special considerations. vessels around your heart. chambers and valves, surrounding anatomical structures and thoracic n The test requires that patients be What is coronary artery aorta. given a special dye into their veins disease? to light up blood vessels. About Coronary artery disease is a Reasons to have CCTA one patient in 1,000 may have a condition characterized by a n Quick: CCTA imaging is complete serious allergy to this dye.
buildup of plaque in the arteries, within five to 10 seconds. n The dye may worsen kidney which causes blockages to form. n Reduced Radiation Exposure: function in patients who already Left undetected and untreated, it A patient is exposed to less have poorly functioning kidneys. can lead to heart attack, congestive radiation during a CCTA than n Patients with diabetes who heart failure and even death. during a nuclear stress test. take medications containing While coronary artery disease is n Early Intervention: With Metformin must stop the considered preventable, it also is information provided by a CCTA, medications before the test the leading cause of death in men physicians can recommend because this can affect kidney and women in the United States. healthy lifestyle modifications, function. What is cardiac CT angiography intensify preventative measures For more information, please call (CCTA)? for patients at risk of CAD or 516-520-2500. CCTA is a non-invasive diagnostic suggest additional testing if test capable of detecting the needed. earliest stages of coronary artery disease. During a CCTA, 21 MEDICINE TRACKER
Know Your Medicines
Keep track of all the new medicines you are prescribed while in the hospital—plus any other medicines you already take.
MEDICINE 1 MEDICINE 2 MEDICINE 3 MEDICINE 4 MEDICINE 5
Drug Name
What Does It Treat?
Dose
How to Take It (With food, on an empty stomach, etc.) When to Take It (Time of day, morning, night, etc.)
Notes (Prescribing doctor, pharmacy, side effects)
Share With Staff Fill out this list with hospital staff to double-check you’re taking your medicines correctly and that they’re all safe to take together. Be sure to also include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements.
22 WHO’S CARING FOR YOU?
Your Healthcare Providers
Our hospital staff is dedicated to your care and recovery. Keep track of your healthcare team, so you know who to ask if you have any questions.
NURSE/AIDE 1 NURSE/AIDE 2 NURSE/AIDE 3 NURSE/AIDE 4 Name
Days/Hours Key Care Tasks (List medicines, tests, other checks or tasks that take place)
PHYSICIAN 1 PHYSICIAN 2 PHYSICIAN 3 PHYSICIAN 4 Name Days/Hours Key Care Tasks (List primary condition or health problems being addressed) Doctor’s Orders (List prescribed medicines, therapy, surgery or procedures)
PHYSICAL THERAPIST, DIETICIAN, SPECIALIST, ETC. STAFF 1 STAFF 2 STAFF 3 STAFF 4 Name Days/Hours
Key Care Tasks (List primary purpose of visits)
Orders (List any next steps you are asked to take)
? Confused about why a staff member is there? Always ask—and write down the answers here.
23 GAMES
Crossword Puzzle Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits each clue.
ACROSS 1 Metrical unit 5 Arabian judge 9 Grandfather of Saul 12 Exude 13 Sleeping 14 Mountain on Crete 15 Japanese carriage 16 Weed 17 Comput er generated imagery (abbr.) 18 Alcott heroine 20 Sable 22 Article 25 Nat’l Endowment for the Arts (abbr.) 27 Garland 28 Time period 29 International (abbr.) 31 And other: abbr. (2 words) (Lat.) 34 Sinbad’s bird 35 Fr. author 60 Polish rum cake 11 Pour 50 Taro 37 Amer . Dental Assn. (abbr.) 61 Footlike structure 19 Camelot lady 53 Yarn measure 38 Wing (pref.) 62 Direct 21 Female ruff 55 F ederal Aviation Admin. 40 Grape syrup 63 Poetic foot 22 Manmade protective mound (abbr.) 41 Jap. fish 23 Owl’s cry 56 Antiballistic Missle (abbr.) 42 Article (Fr.) DOWN 24 Moon of Saturn 57 Mortar beater 44 Negative population growth 26 Hindu sould (abbr.) 1 Bef ore some vowels (pref.) 30 Pulka (2 words) Answer Key 45 Deviate 2 Tumor (suf.) 32 City in Judah 46 Necktie 3 Free 33 Den 49 Droop 4 Monad 36 Legend 51 Male person 5 F elis (2 words) 39 Race the motor 52 Baseball equipment 6 Amat eur Boxing Assn. (abbr.) 43 Palmetto 54 Eth. Danakil people 7 Skin (suf.) 46 Thunder sound 58 Pointed (pref.) 8 Utopian 47 People 59 Afr. tree 9 Wink 10 Wayside 48 Subtract
24 Helping You To Breathe Easier Choose St. Joseph Hospital for Your Wound Healing Needs Every year, chronic wounds and other conditions keep millions of Americans like you from enjoying their best quality of life. The staff at Catholic Health Services Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing at St. Joseph Hospital helps to heal those wounds.
Let us help get you back to living life the way you want. For information or an appointment, call (516) 520-2500.
Island Pulmonary Associates Stanley Rabinowitz, M.D., F.C.C.P. Richard E. Gordon, M.D., F.C.C.P. Giuseppe Caruso, M.D., F.C.C.P. Iwona Rawinis, M.D., F.C.C.P., D., ABSM Nikolaos Hatzis, M.D., F.C.C.P. Jerry Ipe, D.O., F.C.C.P. Vikram Chabra, D.O.
Kathryn Buckman, PA-C, CRT 4295 Hempstead Turnpike Jaclyn Galietti, PA-C Bethpage, New York
stjosephhospital.chsli.org 4271 Hempstead Turnpike | Bethpage, NY 11714 Phone: 516-796-3700 Fax: 516-796-3205
Pre- Booking Available
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