We understand that coming to a hospital can be a stressful experience for patients. The information provided below is intended to help you know what to expect and to plan for your stay. Scroll down to find out about things like admission, discharge, cell phone use, TV service for patients, what to bring for your hospital stay, and more.
Our Patient Services Directory booklets contain additional information and are available at hospital entrances and online, here:
When you arrive at the hospital, you will be required to present your Ontario Health Card. Please have your health card ready when waiting for Triage and/or Registration.
Upon admission, you will be given an identification bracelet to be worn at all times while you are in the hospital. This will allow the health care team to identify you and ensure they are providing the correct medical treatment to the correct patient.
The use of cellular phones and other wireless devices is permitted throughout our hospitals provided they do not interfere with patient care or violate respect for others’ need for quiet and privacy. Please do not take photos, video, or audio recordings unless you have consent from those involved.
We know that when you are well, you would rather be at home. Our goal is to help get you there. As soon as you are admitted, we will work with you and your loved ones to plan your care and prepare you to go home. Your physician or nurse will inform you of your discharge date in advance, so you can make arrangements to have someone assist you in going home.
Your collaboration related to discharge planning will help to ensure we have beds available for everyone accessing the hospital. If transportation is unavailable, the unit communications clerk (UCC) can arrange for a taxi to meet you at the main entrance. Please be sure to take all personal belongings when you leave.
Need a prescription filled? Prescriptions for medications may be faxed to the pharmacy of your choice for you to pick up.
Personal fragrances can cause health risks in some people. For the comfort and safety of our patients, staff, and volunteers, please refrain from wearing perfume or using other personal products with strong fragrances when you visit Quinte Health.
If you are bringing a patient flowers, or having them delivered, please ensure that they do not have a strong scent.
Family members wishing to inquire about your health should telephone your patient care unit after 9:00 a.m. If you have many relatives, please assign one person to call and share the information received with your family. Information about your health is not released to anyone other than a family member and only with consent. Should you have any concerns during your hospital stay, please speak with your nurse, or the person in charge of the unit.
Since latex can cause allergic reactions in some people, we ask that no latex balloons be brought into the hospital. Mylar balloons are allowed.
All photos, video, or audio at Quinte Health must be taken with the consent of the people who will be included in the picture, video or sound. You cannot take photos or recordings without that consent. To respect everyone’s right to privacy, please do not take any photos, audio or video recordings in waiting rooms. Anyone engaging in improper use of a recording device may be asked to stop and delete any image/audio captured.
Smoking is not allowed on any Quinte Health property, including inside vehicles in parking lots. Having smoke-free grounds is consistent with our commitment to provide the highest possible standard of care and to encourage wellness for our visitors, patients, volunteers, staff and physicians. Your hospital stay could be an ideal time to quit smoking. Talk to your health care team about how we can help.
Quinte Health recognizes traditional use of sacred medicine plants in a prayer offering, smudge, or pipe ceremonies as being integral to a spiritual and cultural way of life. Quinte Health will facilitate these requests from patients and family in a safe manner. All Quinte Health hospitals have at least one designated safe area where smudging/burnings can be performed.
Please talk to your care provider if you would like more information.
Clergy of all denominations are regularly at the hospital and would be pleased to visit you. Tell your nurse if you require a Chaplain and one will be contacted for you. This service is not exclusively religious care, it is for anyone wishing to have spiritual support. Click here for more information.
Sacred Spaces are available at all four Quinte Health hospitals. These spaces are an oasis for quiet reflection, meditation, and prayer, as well as a place for worship and ritual.
In-room television service may be purchased by patients. To order, turn on the television in your room and a menu will appear on the screen. Place your order using a credit card, or call 1-800-263-1113.
All valuables must be kept at home. Quinte Health assumes no responsibility for patient money or possessions (e.g., glasses, jewellery, hearing aides, etc.) being lost.
Whether you are coming to the hospital for a clinic appointment, day surgery or an overnight stay, a little preparation will help your visit go smoothly. Here is a list of items you should consider bringing with you when you come to the hospital:
Appointment information:
Name of the doctor you are seeing
Location of where your appointment is taking place
Name and phone number of referring physician
Name and phone number of your family physician if different from above
Name and phone number of substitute decision maker and alternate contact person
Ontario Health Card
Proof of additional health insurance coverage for preferred hospital accommodations
Workers Compensation Board (WCA) claim number, if you have one
Complete list of all current medications
Calling card for long distance calls
Credit card to pay additional expenses
Slippers, pyjamas and robe
Socks and supportive walking shoes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Comb and brush
Shaving supplies
Body lotion, soap, shampoo
Sanitary items
Please do not bring:
More than $20 cash
Personal valuables, such as jewellery
Cigarettes, tobacco, pipes, cigars or e-cigarettes
Medication, unless instructed by your physician or nurse
Patients and visitors are welcome to use the guest Wi-Fi at our hospitals. No password required.
