TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to the McGill University Health Centre The Neurological Hospital

1. ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL How to Get Here...... 7 Parking...... 7 Admission Date and Time...... 8 Consent ...... 8 What to Bring...... 8

2. HOSPITAL STAY Accommodations ...... 9 Overnight Accommodations for Families...... 9 Valuables ...... 10 Hospitalization Charges ...... 10 Transitional-Care Charges...... 10 Your Care Team...... 11 Visiting Hours ...... 11 Spiritual Needs ...... 11 Information About Patients...... 12

3. SERVICES Cafeteria ...... 13 Telephones and Telephone Lines ...... 13 Televisions ...... 14 Electrical Appliances, Computers ...... 14 Patients’ Committee...... 14 Health Information for Patients and Families ...... 14 Ombudsman...... 15 Private Duty Nurse ...... 15 Interpreters ...... 15 Volunteer Groups...... 15 Newspapers ...... 15 Banking Machine...... 16 Mail ...... 16 Hairdresser/Barber...... 16

4. SAFETY AND SECURITY Leaving Your Room ...... 17 Fire Precautions...... 17 Smoking...... 17 Accidents...... 17 Lost and Found ...... 18

5. LEAVING THE HOSPITAL Continuing Care ...... 19 Check-out ...... 19 Follow-up Appointments ...... 20

The Future MUHC...... 21 The McGill University Health Centre Foundation...... 22 The Montreal Neurological Institute ...... 23 2 PATIENT INFORMATION The Montreal Neurological Hospital 3801 University Street Montreal, H3A 2B4 www.muhc.ca

Important Telephone* and Room Numbers: *Within the Hospital, for numbers starting with 398, dial only the last four digits.

Telephone Main Line ...... 398-6644 Information and long distance assistance: ...... 398-5542 Accounting Office Inquiries: ...... 934-1934 local 42732 Payment: ...... 934-1934 local 34627 Office of the Patients’ Cashier: ...... Royal Victoria Hospital ...... Main Floor near the Information Desk Admissions Office: ...... 398-1900, Room 165C Café Neuro: ...... 398-1926, 3rd floor Hairdresser/Barber: 934-1934 local 34834 (Royal Victoria Hospital) InfoNeuro: Neuro-Patient Resource Centre: 398-5358, Room 354 Laundry Service (private): ...... 398-1926 Lost and Found: ...... 398-5542 McGill University Health Centre Foundation: ...... 931-5656 Neurological Day Centre: ...... 398-1986, Room 238 Ombudsman: ...... 934-8306 Parking Office: ...... 398-4559 Pastoral Service: ...... 934-1934 local 34163 Patients’ Committee: ...... 398-5358 Quiet Room, Meditation and Prayer Room: ...... Room 445 Security Services: ...... 398-5542 Social Service Department: ...... 398-1916 Volunteer Group: Friends of the Neuro: ...... 398-1923 Wards: Intensive Care Unit: ...... 398-1921 4th Floor South: ...... 398-1984 4th Floor North-East: ...... 398-1985 3rd Floor South: ...... 398-1983 3rd Floor North: ...... 398-1987 3rd Floor East: ...... 398-1988

MNH 3 WELCOME TO THE MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE

4 PATIENT INFORMATION Welcome to the McGill University Health Centre, one of the most comprehensive academic health centres in North America. The MUHC is a merger of five teaching hospi- tals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University—the Montreal Children’s, Montreal General, Royal Victoria, and Montreal Neurological hospitals, as well as the Montreal Chest Institute. Building on the tradition of medical leadership of the founding hospitals, our goal is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge. We are proud of the reputation for excellence of our clinical programs, research and teaching

MNH 5 THE MUHC AT A GLANCE: • The six clinical missions of the MUHC: The Montreal Children’s Hospital, Medicine (including Emergency Medicine), Surgery, Neurosciences, Mental Health and Women’s Health • Each year, the MUHC receives over 800,000 ambu- latory visits, including emergency department visits, and over 35,000 inpatient stays • There are over 1,000 physicians and 13,000 health- care and other personnel working at the MUHC • Each year, close to 2,000 people train at the MUHC, including some 815 medical and surgical residents, 150 medical students, 800 nurses and hundreds of allied-health students • The Research Institute of the MUHC is the largest medical and life sciences research facility of its kind in Canada The decision by the five partner hospitals to come together under one administrative structure was the first step in our plans to build a new health centre (see page 21). This new centre will ensure that the McGill hospitals continue to provide the very best in patient care, teaching and research. This booklet is directed to our patients and their fam- ilies. It contains all the necessary information to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your hos- pital stay. Should you not find the answer(s) to your question(s) on the following pages, please feel free to call the MNH main number (514-398-6644) or to ask a member of our dedicated staff for help. It is important for us to make sure that you and your families are as well informed as possible.

THE MONTREAL NEUROLOGICAL HOSPITAL The mission of the Montreal Neurological Hospital is to advance the understanding of the nervous system and to prevent, treat and cure neurological diseases. The Neurological Hospital strives for excellence in clinical care, research, and teaching. It pursues partnerships with the local, national and international communities. It is committed to carrying out its mission, while respecting human dignity and with the highest ethical standards.

6 PATIENT INFORMATION 1. ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL

HOW TO GET HERE The main entrance to the hospital is at 3801 University Street, located north of Pine Avenue. Cars or taxis may pull up to the main entrance and drop off passengers. Handicapped Access: Handicapped entrances are north of the main entrance on University Street, or through the ambulance entrance at the rear of the hospital. Bus and Metro: The nearest metro station is McGill on the green line, which is located at the corner of University Street and . It will take you approximately 15 minutes to walk from the McGill Metro station to the main entrance of the hospital. Convenient bus stops are: • #144 at Pine Avenue and University Street • # 535 at Parc Avenue and Prince Arthur Street • #107 at Pine Avenue and Doctor Penfield Street • #24 at and University Street

PARKING Parking near the hospital is limited. There is a park- ing lot north of the main entrance on University Street and the rate is approximately $14 per day. Limited metred parking is also available on the west side of University Street. Reserved areas and signage must be respected at all times. Individuals who do not respect the no-parking signs may be ticketed or have their car towed.

MNH 7 ADMISSION DATE AND TIME The Admissions Office (398-1900) will attempt to pro- vide you with as much notice as possible of your admission date. In some cases, your admission date might be delayed on short notice, and you might be asked to return home or to make arrangements for accommodation in Montreal until a bed is available. The Admissions Office will also inform you of what time you should arrive at the hospital. Upon arrival, you should register with the Admissions Office in room 165C on the ground floor near the Information Desk.

CONSENT At the time of admission, you will be asked to sign a general consent form for treatment and tests. For patients under the age of 14 years, the person with parental authority will be asked to sign on the patient’s behalf. For patients who are incapacitated, the curator, spouse, tutor or close relative may sign the consent form. For further information, contact the Social Service Department (398-1916) or the Office of the Public Curator (873-4074). At the same time, you will be asked whether or not you agree to release medical information to your insurance company and/or to referring doctors, hospitals or clinics. You can choose not to release information outside the hospital. Please be assured that the refusal to release information will in no way influence the quality of the treatment you will receive.

WHAT TO BRING Although the MNH provides hospital gowns, you may feel more comfortable in your own pyjamas/clothing, housecoat, and slippers/shoes. You should bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues, shaving items, soap, skin lotion, sanitary supplies and other personal care articles. Since storage is limited, you are asked not to bring large suitcases. You should also bring your valid Medicare card, Montreal Neurological Hospital card (if you already have one), and proof of personal insurance if requesting a private or semi-private accommodation.

8 PATIENT INFORMATION 2. HOSPITAL STAY

ACCOMMODATIONS There are three types of accommodations: • Multiple-bed units • Semi-private rooms (two beds per room) •Private rooms (one bed per room) If the accommodation you prefer is not immediately available, we will try to provide it as soon as possible. At the time of admission you should let the Admissions Office know what type of accommodation you prefer. If you request a semi-private or private room, you will be asked to make an advance deposit equal to seven days payment, unless your personal insurance covers this additional expense. In this case, please bring proof of your insurance with you. If you wish to change your accommodation after your admission, please ask your primary nurse to forward the request to the Admissions Office.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES Should a family member need to stay overnight, a cot can be set up in the patient's room or in a nearby family room. If family members are from out of town and need to find accommodation, the Admissions Office (398-1900) or the Social Service Department (398-1916) can provide you with a list of hotels in .

MNH 9 VALUABLES Please do not bring any items of value. If you do, you will be asked to turn them over for safekeeping or to sign a form, which releases the hospital of any responsibility. If a theft or a loss occurs, you should immediately make a report to your nurse. While most people wear their wedding rings, they should leave valuable watches, precious jewellery, cash, and cred- it cards at home. Only bring enough money to pay for the phone or television service or for incidental items. When not in use, dentures, eyeglasses and hearing aids should be placed inside your bedside table in containers provided by the hospital.

HOSPITALIZATION CHARGES For Quebec residents with a valid Medicare card, hospitalization charges and outpatient services are fully covered, except for costs related to semi- private or private accommodation. In accordance with an agreement between all Canadian provinces, patients from other provinces with a valid Medicare card from their home province are also fully covered, except for costs related to semi-private or private accommodation. Patients from any other country and Canadian residents without a valid Medicare card are responsible for all hospitalization expenses and professional fees for services. They must make an advance deposit equal to seven days payment upon admission to cover the hospitalization charges. They will also receive a bill for professional services. The advance deposit can be made at the Office of the Patients’ Cashier, which is located in the Royal Victoria Hospital on the Main Floor, near the Information Desk. For all inquiries concerning your account, contact the Accounting Office during normal office hours (934-1934 local 42732).

TRANSITIONAL-CARE CHARGES There is a daily hospitalization charge for patients who no longer require active medical treatment but have been identified as needing long-term care. These charges have been determined by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Your doctor will advise you of this change of status and the Accounting Office can provide more details.

10 PATIENT INFORMATION YOUR CARE TEAM A variety of professionals will be involved with your care. Within 24 hours of admission, you will be designated a primary nurse who will care for you and be responsible for the coordination of other health- care staff. He or she should be your first contact if you have questions about the care provided to you. The Montreal Neurological Hospital is a teaching hospital so students from a variety of health-care disciplines may be involved in your care. Should you have a concern about their services or the serv- ices provided by any other health-care professional of the hospital, please talk to your primary nurse.

VISITING HOURS We have a flexible visiting policy that acknowledges the importance of family and visitors. At times, the nursing staff may limit visiting in the best interest of the patient.

SPIRITUAL NEEDS The Pastoral Service (934-1934, local 34163) offers spiritual, emotional and religious support to patients and their families. Chaplains provide a caring pres- ence during times of stress and will support you and your families in coping with illness or grief. This serv- ice is confidential, non-denominational and bilingual. Chaplains are present in the hospital daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In emergencies, they are available 24 hours a day and can be reached through your primary nurse. The Quiet Room and adjoining Meditation and Prayer Room are located on the 4th floor (room 445). Everyone is welcome to make use of this space regard- less of his or her religious tradition or denomination. • Muslim prayers are held in the Quiet Room between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. from Monday to Thursday;the Meditation Room remains available for others at these times. • Roman Catholic mass is held at the Royal Victoria Hospital chapel (H4.79) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:05 p.m. Liturgy of the Word with Communion is held on Mondays in the same chapel at 12:05 p.m. • Everyone is welcome to the ecumenical prayer services held in the Royal Victoria Hospital chapel (H4.79) on Thursdays at 12:05 p.m.

MNH 11 INFORMATION ABOUT PATIENTS As a family member, you may call the hospital Ward at any time (day or night) for information about your relative. For security and confidentiality reasons, information can be relayed only to the immediate family. Please choose a spokesperson who will gather information and pass it on to other family members.

12 PATIENT INFORMATION 3. SERVICES

CAFETERIA The Café Neuro coffee shop (398-1926) is located on the third floor and sells meals and snacks. It is open to patients and visitors during the following hours: • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday • 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and most statutory holidays A cafeteria and vending machines are available at the Royal Victoria Hospital. They are accessible via the third-floor bridge connecting the Montreal Neurological Hospital with the Royal Victoria Hospital.

TELEPHONES AND TELEPHONE LINES All patient rooms are equipped to provide telephone service. Do not bring in your own telephone. You are not permitted to use cellular phones or any other device transmitting radio frequencies inside the hospital or to connect any devices such as computer modems or fax machines to the tele- phone jack since they might interfere with certain medical equipment. Please note that our staff may use wireless telephones specifically designed to operate in a hospital environment. Local calls and toll-free calls can be made from your room by dialling "9" followed by the phone number. Long-distance calls can be placed from the pay phones or through the hospital operator (398-5542), and must be made collect or charged to your tele- phone credit card or pre-paid calling card. Pay telephones are available on each floor. When calling within the hospital, simply dial the last four digits of the number (not the "398" exchange). Defective telephones: please inform your primary nurse.

MNH 13 TELEVISIONS You may rent a television for a daily or a weekly fee from a private company. Please ask your primary nurse to help you arrange for this service. Forms are available on each floor. It is your responsibility to pay the company directly.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, COMPUTERS For safety reasons, you are asked not to bring electri- cally powered appliances such as electric blankets, heating pads, hair dryers and curlers. Battery operated appliances are permitted. Only battery operated computers may be used in the hospital. You are not allowed to connect your computer to the telephone jack of your room. As for all other valuables, you are responsible for the safekeeping of your appliances.

PATIENTS’ COMMITTEE The Patients’ Committee (398-5358), which consists of a majority of patients and former patients, advise the hospital's administration and other hospital committees of the patients’ points of view. They act as the patients’ voice on health care and the servic- es provided. They also inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a patient. During your stay, a committee representative might visit you in order to explain the variety of services offered. Patients can also request a visit.

INFONEURO: HEALTH INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Patients, families, caregivers and friends have access to a broad range of reference documents and health information at the Neuro-Patient Resource Centre. It is staffed by a reference librarian. You may visit the Centre during the weekdays in room 354, or request information by calling 398-5358 at any time. The Centre has a computer that can be used by patients and their families, and has an internet connection for laptops. The Centre’s website is: www.mni.mcgill.ca/neuropatient/index.html and the e-mail address is: [email protected].

14 PATIENT INFORMATION OMBUDSMAN The MUHC has three ombudsmen (MNH, 934-8306) to assist patients and their families by investigating and helping to resolve complaints. Acting as a resource to staff, the ombudsmen are available to help those who may have questions about patients’ rights or help those who need advice to help resolve a conflict. The patient complaint system is governed by Québec law.

PRIVATE DUTY NURSE With your doctor's approval, you may hire private nursing staff through the nursing office. The fee for such services is your responsibility. Private duty nurses must work under the direction of the nursing staff on the unit but they may not be permitted in some specialized care areas. Please discuss this with the primary nurse.

INTERPRETERS Interpreters are available if patients are unable to speak French or English, or if their comprehension of these languages is limited. An interpreter may be requested on the patient’s behalf by the staff caring for them.

VOLUNTEER GROUPS The Friends of the Neuro (398-1923) are volunteers who circulate a cart with a variety of personal items and reading material you might need during your stay. They also help at clinics, visit patients, and assist with general decorating in the hospital. In addition, from time to time, McGill Student Volunteers will provide social and recreational activities. The Friends of the Neuro organize numerous fundraising activities throughout the year. The money raised, together with the proceeds of the Café Neuro, is used to meet direct patient care needs. To make a donation, call 398-1923.

NEWSPAPERS Vending machines with local English and French newspapers are located on the second floor. The Friends of the Neuro also sell newspapers on the hospital carts.

MNH 15 BANKING MACHINE An automatic banking machine is located on the third floor of the Royal Victoria Hospital, adjacent to the vending machine area. It is accessible via the third- floor bridge connecting the Montreal Neurological Hospital with the Royal Victoria Hospital.

MAIL All correspondence for you should bear your full name, floor and room number if possible. It is a good idea to include your maiden name, if applicable. e.g. Mrs. Marg Benoit Doe The Montreal Neurological Hospital 3rd Floor, Room xx 3801 University Street Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4 Mail arriving for you after you have left will be forwarded to the address that you provided on admission or it will be returned to the sender.

HAIRDRESSER/BARBER Appointments with a hairdresser or barber can be arranged on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling the salon (934-1934, local 34834), or through your primary nurse. The salon is located in the Royal Victoria Hospital, but the hairdresser or barber can also come to your room. Wigs are available. You are responsible for the cost of this service.

16 PATIENT INFORMATION 4. SAFETY AND SECURITY

LEAVING YOUR ROOM Should you wish to leave your ward, please let your nurse know. The primary nurse must know where you are at all times.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS For the safety of patients and staff, fire drills are held regularly. If a fire drill occurs during your stay, please follow the instructions of your primary nurse. Patients should wait in their room until the primary nurse comes and tells them what to do.

SMOKING Smoking is not permitted in the hospital.

ACCIDENTS All accidents/falls must be reported to a staff member. Each incident will be investigated.

MNH 17 LOST AND FOUND The hospital Security Services (398-5542) operates a Lost and Found service. Should you lose any of your personal property, please let your primary nurse know and she will contact the Lost and Found for you. Should you believe that any of your personal items have been stolen, please report the theft immediately to your primary nurse.

18 PATIENT INFORMATION 5. LEAVING THE HOSPITAL

CONTINUING CARE Your doctor will inform you when he or she believes that you no longer need to stay in the hospital for active treatment, and will let you know the day of your discharge or of your transfer to other facilities. If you are allowed to return home, but require support treatment and care at home, your nurse and doctor will help you make arrangements if necessary.

CHECK-OUT On the day of your discharge, you will be asked to check out by 11 a.m. If you are unable to leave the hospital by this time, you can wait in the patients’ sitting room located on each floor. If there are outstanding charges, you should make payment before you leave at the Office of the Patients’ Cashier, which is located in the Royal Victoria Hospital on the Main Floor, near the Information Desk. You may pay by cash or credit card in person, or by telephone (934-1934, local 34627). Please be sure to take all of your possessions when you leave. If your primary nurse has placed your valuables in the Office of the Patients’ Cashier, you should claim them during the office business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If medications have been stored for you by the hospital, you may take them home but you should check with your doctor or nurse to determine whether your prescription remains the same.

MNH 19 FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS Your doctor may request that you return to a clinic at the hospital for a follow-up appointment. Before you leave, ask the nursing staff to tell you who you should contact in order to make this appointment. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact the same number to cancel it.

20 PATIENT INFORMATION THE NEW MUHC SITE

THE FUTURE MUHC Currently located on five sites, the MUHC is in the planning phase for a new health centre that will bring most of our patient care and academic activities together on one 43-acre campus located in the central area of Montreal on the boundaries of Westmount and Notre Dame de Grace, and at the Montreal General site downtown. The new health centre—scheduled to open in 2010—will be designed to the highest standards of hospital construction. It will provide a comfortable, modern, healing environment with the capacity to accommodate the latest medical technology. At the hub of the new health centre will be its adult tertiary and quaternary care services, including trauma emergency and neurosciences. A children’s hospital, women’s health care and the MUHC Research Institute will also be located at the new site. The MUHC General Hospital site will provide general medical, surgical and emergency services and it will be the principal site for mental health, geriatrics and palliative care. For more information about our plans for the rede- velopment of the MUHC, please visit our website: www.muhc.ca Financing for this project will come from provincial and federal governments, and private contributions. Should you wish to make a contribution, please contact the McGill University Health Centre Foundation at (514) 931-5656 (see page 22).

MNH 21 THE MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE FOUNDATION The McGill University Health Centre Foundation is currently undertaking one of the most dramatic and critical health sector capital campaigns ever to be held in Canada. Their goal is to raise funds to sup- port the creation of the new health centre at the Glen Yards site. At the same time, they are working coop- eratively with the existing hospital foundations to ensure that funding is available to meet the annual needs of each of the MUHC hospital sites. Your donation to the MUHC Foundation is a generous philanthropic gift to your community and an investment in the future. Please contact the MUHC Foundation for further information on how you can get involved in the MUHC capital campaign. Tel: (514) 931-5656 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.muhcfoundation.com

22 PATIENT INFORMATION THE MONTREAL NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE The Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) is a teaching and research institute of McGill University. It was founded in 1934 by Dr. Wilder Penfield, an eminent neurosurgeon known for his groundbreaking work in epilepsy. Penfield’s farsighted vision was to create a neurological centre that would provide the most advanced treatment of diseases of the nervous system as well as a venue in which basic and clinical scientists would work together to uncover fundamental principles governing nervous system function and disease. Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, with additional funds from McGill and the Province of Quebec, Penfield’s model for medical research was pioneering in its day and has been emulated ever since. The MNI and its clinical partner, the Montreal Neurological Hospital (MNH), collectively nicknamed "the Neuro," afford a unique setting that seamlessly interweaves research, patient care, and training. In this environment, clinical and basic-science faculty with differing skills learn from each other and work together toward common goals. Disease-oriented studies inspired by the clinical setting extend from the molecular-cellular level through the diagnosis and treatment of patients; conversely, daily association with neuroscientists helps shape the high-quality patient care for which the hospital is known. The MNI’s research and clinical staff consists of approximately 80 faculty members, all of whom hold appointments in McGill’s Faculty of Medicine. Research activities are coordinated in eleven separate yet interconnected research units. Each group com- prises researchers with diverse research interests or clinical specialties. Their wide variety of skills permits a multi-disciplinary approach to investigations. In addition, both the MNI and MNH are training centres for upwards of 150 McGill graduate students, post- doctoral fellows, and medical and surgical residents.

MNH 23 In research and in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, the Neuro draws upon a complete array of contemporary technology, including cellular and molecular biological methods, sophisticated microscopy, magnetic resonance scanning, computed tomography scanning, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance spec- troscopy, magnetic resonance angiography, electroen- cephalography, and computer-guided stereotactic neurosurgery.

Research Groups at the MNI: Brain Tumour Research Centre Cell Biology of Excitable Tissues Centre for Neuronal Survival Clinical Research Unit Cognitive Neuroscience Complex Neural Systems Epilepsy McConnell Brain Imaging Centre Neuroimmunology Neuromuscular Research Neurosurgical Research

For more information, please visit our website: www.mni.mcgill.ca or call (514) 398-1958 To be included in our mailing list for special lectures and events, please contact:[email protected] or call (514) 398-1958

MUHC Public Relations and Communications Design & Production: Imagellan communications inc. Photos: François Brunelle, Pierre Théroux

24 PATIENT INFORMATION