Holy Family Hospital patient & visitor guide
An overview for patients and visitors of Holy Family Hospital.
This is a summary of everything you need to know about your stay at Holy Family Hospital.
Your rehabilitation team
We will give you a care team designated by a colour so you can easily recognize members of your team. Members of your team include:
- Doctors
- Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Rehabilitation assistant
- Speech language pathologist
- Registered dietitian
- Pharmacist
- Social worker
On-site services
Daily living
Staying connected
Visitors
Families are important to your healing process and are welcome to visit any time. During meal times, visitors are requested to use the common area to keep the dining rooms safe for patients. Your visitors can also purchase meals from the cafeteria between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm and dine with you in the cafeteria on level 1.
If you have more than two visitors, please use the common areas to provide extra space and allow your roommate to rest if needed
Phone / email contact
Maintaining contact with family and friends in other ways is also therapeutic. We encourage you to bring your cell phone to stay in touch. There is also a patient phone available outside Room 206. As well, there is a pay phone next to the McKinley Lounge on Easy Street.
The nursing station will accept calls from family and friends in an emergency.
Computers in the McKinley Lounge offer internet access for email communication. You can also use our well wishes email service at wellwishes@providencehealth.bc.ca. Your family and friends should include your full name, Holy Family Hospital, and your room number in the email. Our volunteers will deliver emails to you in person.
Your health during your visit
Pain management
Managing pain during therapy is essential. Take pain medications at least 30 minutes before therapy to address any discomfort.
As your health improves, you'll require less pain medication. However, pain medications can lead to constipation. To prevent constipation:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Follow your therapist's exercise recommendations.
- Use the medication provided for constipation.
Outside therapy & extra care
If you wish to receive private therapy not offered at the hospital, discuss it with your rehabilitation team and complete the required forms.
Private treatments must be approved by your doctor and should not interfere with your hospital therapy. You may need to organize and pay for them yourself if they are not covered by your medical coverage.
Keeping you safe
For your safety around the building, please stay clear of the Admitting driveway. Vehicles can come in quickly.
Preventing falls is essential for maintaining health and independence. Your rehabilitation team will assess your ability to move, stand, walk, and use recommended equipment. Wait for assistance if we recommend it, and do not attempt to move on your own. You may require a cane, walker, or wheelchair for safe mobility.
Weekend & day passes
Your eligibility for a pass that allows you to leave the hospital for an outing depends on various factors. You and your rehab team decide on the best option. You may also have the opportunity for a day or overnight pass. This can help assess your readiness for discharge home.
Please request a weekend pass by 2pm the Wednesday before. Here is some important information about passes:
- The hospital pharmacy will provide your medication while you're away on a pass
- Ensure you can safely get in and out of a car and have all your equipment in place. Discuss this with your occupational therapist and physiotherapist.
- If you're on a modified diet due to swallowing issues, consult with the dietitian or speech-language pathologist before going on a pass
- Arrange your transportation, and remember to sign out in the "leave of absence" book at the nurse's desk
Getting ready to go home
You are ready to leave when you've worked on your goals and can manage safely at your discharge destination with appropriate support, or when progress has stopped and alternative care options are needed. We will work with you to determine the date when you can go home. The rehab team will help you arrange any equipment and home services you need.
We ask you to arrange your own transportation home. Some options might be to ask family or friends, or to make arrangements with HandyDART.