PREPARING FOR A VISIT
When You Arrive for a Hospital Stay
On the day of your admission, you may want to ask your driver to drop you off at the main entrance of the Hospital before parking in the visitors’ parking area. Please go directly to the inpatient admissions counter in the main entry lobby area of the OPD Block in the ground floor. One of our patient relations coordinators will help you with the admission process. If you will be undergoing surgery, you will be asked to give your written consent prior to the procedure. A parent or guardian must sign consent forms for minors. For elective surgery or procedures, the deposit should be made at this time.
You will be given an admission file and an in-patient medical record number. Once all your paperwork is complete, you will be escorted to the area where you and your “attendant bystander” will be staying in case of private wards.
If surgery or a procedure is required, a nurse will explain any preparations that need to be done beforehand and will talk with you about what to expect before and after the procedure or surgery. The nurse will be happy to answer any questions.
Many surgical procedures require a stay of one or more days in the ICU following surgery, after which, the patient will be assigned a different bed than the one occupied by him/her prior to surgery.
Therefore, it is important for you to arrange to remove all personal belongings from that room or ward when you are transferred to the surgical theatre.
What to Bring With You
• A list of all the medications you are taking
• Personal toiletries
• Non-slip Footwear
• Clothes
• Walking aids
• Contact lens, eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aid case
What NOT to Bring
• Valuables and jewellery. We cannot accept responsibility for valuables left at your bedside
• Cigarettes or pipes or any intoxicants are STRICTLY not allowed. The hospital is a smoke and liquor-free facility.
Your Attendant Bystander
An attendant bystander (hereafter called “bystander”) must stay overnight with you (with the exception of general wards and critical care units). Most units offer a sleeping cot in your room at no additional cost. In the female wards, female patients must be accompanied by a female bystander, and in the male wards the bystander may be of either gender. Bystander passes are issued at the time of admission at the inpatient admissions counter. All passes must be shown whenever entering or leaving the building or upon request.
The visitor lounge is a waiting area facility for bystander of inpatients that is located on the Hospital campus.
Once the patient is taken to the operating or procedure area, the bystander must be available at all times. If the bystander is in a private room the room will be retained for the patient post surgery.
The bystander must be available by telephone during and after any surgery or procedure so the Hospital can convey any message concerning the condition of the patient. Accommodation will not be provided for the bystander in case the patient is in ICU.
Visitors
To decrease the chance of infection and ensure proper rest for all patients, we restrict the hours that visitors may see you. Visiting hours are 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Not more than two visitors at a time, please.
Visitors may obtain a pass at the patient information desk prior to going to your room and it must be shown to the security at the time of visiting.
A visitor must relinquish his/her pass in order for another visitor to come see you
Children (age twelve and older) may visit with permission of the nurse. Younger children will not be admitted
All children (ages 13-18) must be accompanied by an adult
People with colds or infections should not visit the hospital.
Each patient’s diet is strictly regulated in accordance with the patient’s medical requirements and is served food from the Hospital dietary kitchen only. Bringing food from outside the Hospital is prohibited.
To protect the health of our patients, visitors, and staff, St. Martha’s Hospital does not permit smoking or any other intoxicants on the premises anywhere in or near the Hospital premises.
Surgical Patients
Only immediate family members are welcome in your room before and after surgery. Family members wanting to speak to the surgeon after an operation should stay in the surgery waiting area and inform the Ward sister in-charge so she can make arrangements. Hospital personnel are only permitted to speak to the bystander who signed during the time of admission to keep your family informed of your progress.
Intensive Care Units
Immediate family may wait outside the ICU in the waiting area, where the doctors will brief them about the patient’s condition.
Paediatric (Children’s) Ward
One parent may stay with the child
All visiting children must be accompanied by an adult
Relatives and friends of fourteen years or older may visit from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Only two visitors at a time are permitted.
Nursing
The nursing staff will help you with any problems or concerns you may have. The head nurse and Ward sister in-charge nurse also are available to help. If you are unable to resolve your concerns, please feel free to contact the public relations department.
Pharmacy
The inpatient pharmacy is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This complete prescription service is located on the way to the Maternity block opposite the Medical block.
Television
Each private and semi-private room and all waiting lobbies are equipped with a television.
Enquiry
The enquiry or information centre is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day and is located in the main lobby of the OPD Block on the ground floor. (Dial: 080 40128241/ 200).
For Your Safety
Preventing Falls
Help us prevent you from falling while you are here. Unless your nurse has approved it, don’t try to get in or out of bed without help. Your illness, treatment, or medication may make you temporarily dizzy or weak, so take your time when walking. It is suggested that you bring skid-proof slippers from home to use while walking after surgery.
If you get up by yourself, sit up in bed for a while before standing. Rise carefully, and slowly begin to walk. Remember that you are more likely to faint or feel dizzy after sitting or lying down for a long time. If the side rails on your bed are in the “up” position, please leave them there. They will protect you from falls and help you to turn in bed. Unless your doctor has specified a certain position, you may adjust your bed in any way that is comfortable. Ask your nurse to show you how to do this.
Fall precautions may become necessary if you are disoriented. Ask your nurse for an explanation. Don’t hesitate to call the nurse if you need help.
Movement in the Hospital
Patients are requested not to leave their ward or floor although walking within the ward area is encouraged when appropriate.
At Your Service
Coffee Day Kiosk – 24/7
The Coffee Day Kiosk is open 24/7 and located in the First floor of the OPD Block.
Lost and Found
If you lose an item or leave something behind, please call the vigilance office, Contact No – 40128277. Lost and unclaimed articles are kept with the Chief Vigilance Officer for thirty days.
Newspapers
Your bystander may purchase newspapers for you from the store located outside the Hospital on Nrupathunga road near the Petrol Station.
Information to Friends and Family
The patient information desk located at the main entrance will give your room number and condition to people who ask about you. If you’d rather not have this information given out, or would prefer not to have visitors, be sure to tell your nurse.
Patient Relationship Coordinators
Patient Relationship Coordinators are available to provide counselling and help to you and your family. They will facilitate your registration process, will answer questions during your Hospital stay, and will help you with plans for going home, making recommendations as to an extended care nursing facility or home care, if necessary.
Banking
For your personal banking needs, South Indian Bank is presently located inside the Hospital campus and services will be available from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm on all bank working days. The South Indian Bank Atm is located at the Hospital Main Entrance, Nrupathunga Road.
Meals
Food Service
Our nutrition and dietary department plans each meal based on the diet your doctor has ordered. All meals are nutritious vegetarian food specially prepared in a hygienic manner. In order to maintain prescribed patient diets and to avoid any infection, bringing food from outside is prohibited. What you eat is a very important part of your recovery. Breakfast is served to you in your room from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, Mid Morning meal from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, lunch from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, Tea time from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and dinner from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. If your doctor has placed you on a restricted diet, clinical nutritionists are available to counsel you. In general, a patient will be required to fast before certain procedures. The patient is requested to take direction from the physician, dietitian, or nursing staff as to the food to be consumed prior to and following the procedure.
Visitors’ Canteen
Your visitors are welcome to use the visitors’ canteen, located at the Sr. Mary Hyacinth Block, ground Floor. The canteen hours are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Your Responsibilities as a Patient
• Actively participate in decisions about your health care
• Be as accurate and as complete as possible regarding your medical history and treatment including specific allergies to any medicines
• Let your doctor or nurse know if you are concerned about a treatment or if you cannot follow a certain treatment plan
• Follow your doctor’s advice regarding your level of activity, diet, and other health care requirements
• Be considerate of other patients and staff
• Examine your bill and ask any questions you may have regarding charges
• Leave all valuables at home whenever possible
• Abide by the rules and regulations of the Hospital
Your Financial Commitment
St. Martha’s Hospital takes pride in the fact that we keep costs down and quality of care high. Your account must be current at the time of departure and the balance paid. Any payment due to the Hospital should be made only at the inpatient billing counter in the main lobby of the OPD ground floor, and receipt should be obtained. At the time of discharge, the bill clearance receipts must be shown to the nurse in- charge.
Going Home
Your doctor will sign a discharge order when you’re ready to go home. Your financial obligation must be settled prior to leaving the Hospital. Your discharge summary will either be given to you or could be collected when you return for your follow up, depending on the time of day of your discharge.
You should make arrangements in advance for a friend or relative to take you home. If you need an ambulance, please contact the Hospital Enquiry or Telephone Exchange (Hospital Enquiry – 080 40128241 or Telephone Exchange – 080 40128200). These charges will not be included in your Hospital discharge bill hence you are requested to make a payment for the same. Please check out of the Hospital before 12:00 noon to avoid any additional charges. Your nurse will go over a list of instructions with you that will help your continued recovery at home. A discharge slip will be issued by the charge nurse and should be shown to the security guard when leaving the Hospital.
Prescriptions to Take Home
Patients from nursing units, the emergency department, and short stay surgery may have take-home prescriptions filled before leaving the Hospital.
After Leaving the Hospital
If you need any emergency service, please contact your doctor immediately by telephone or report to the Emergency department for help. (Emergency – 080 40128244, Telephone Exchange – 080 40128200).
080 40128 123
080 40128 287
080 40128 241
