Mail
Any mail you receive will be delivered directly to your room. Mailboxes are located outside the main entrance at both sites. Postage stamps are available from the Gift Shops at both sites.

Patient Safety
As part of its commitment to patient safety, the Ontario Hospital Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, has recently launched a Patient Safety Tips Campaign. Patients have an important role to play at each stage of their care and the five safety tips will serve to encourage them to be more involved in their health care.

The 5 Patient Safety Tips are:

1. Be involved in your health care. Speak up if you have questions or concerns about your care.

2. Tell a member of your health care team about your past illnesses and your current health condition.

3. Bring all of your medications with you when you go to the hospital or to a medical appointment.

4. Tell a member of your health care team if you have ever had an allergic or bad reaction to any medicine or food.

5. Make sure you know what to do when you go home from the hospital or from your medical appointment.

Power of Attorney
Be sure to report any changes concerning Power of Attorney for Property or for Personal & Health Care decisions to your nursing staff and provide the necessary documentation.

Smoking Cessation Program
In partnership with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the hospital provides a program for admitted patients who wish to quit smoking. Upon admission, a patient’s smoking status is identified and those who smoke are given personalized advice about quitting smoking. All patients who smoke are offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (nicotine patch/gum/inhaler) to reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal while in hospital. Self Help materials and links to Smoking Cessation resources in the community will also be offered.

After discharge, patients have the option of being contacted by telephone for additional support and counseling. This is done using an interactive voice response system to identify if they have remained smoke-free or require additional support to help quit.

Telephones for In-patients
All private and semi-private rooms have a telephone. To make a local outside call dial “9” before the number. To make a long distance call contact switchboard by dialing “0” and ask for assistance. Long distance charges will be directed to the home or calling card of the caller.

Patients may be reached by phoning the hospital at 613-345-5645 and asking for the patient. Incoming calls are not connected to patient rooms between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. For those who prefer to use an automated attendant, dial 613-345-5695, and follow instructions. A TTY phone is available for the hearing impaired in Central Registration and in the Emergency Department.

Televisions
Televisions are supplied by the hospital and are connected to satellite by a local provider at a cost to the patient. Please contact your nurse or the ward clerk on the nursing unit for details.

Garden Street Site only - Televisions may be brought in from home. They must be no older than 2 years, be 14” or less, and must be inspected by the Maintenance Department before use.