Your Hospital Stay
Whether your hospital stay is planned or unexpected, the South Huron Hospital (SHH) understands that it can be overwhelming at times. We hope this information helps ensure your stay with us is a positive experience.
Participating in Your Care
One of the keys to getting the best healthcare possible is to take part and be involved in the decisions about your care. Here are some questions you may wish to ask your nurse/doctor at any point during your stay:
- Can you tell me more about my medical condition?
- What is the purpose of this test/treatment?
- What is this medication for?
- What should I do when I go home?
Other helpful tips include:
- Write down any questions you have for your healthcare team when you think of them.
- Tell your nurse or doctor if something doesn’t seem or feel right.
- Read all medical forms and ask questions to ensure you understand them before you sign them.
Planning for Discharge
The discharge plan is unique and different for every patient. It may look like:
- Returning home with additional health and/or social supports
- Receiving further rehabilitation in our hospital, another hospital, or elsewhere
- Transferring to a nursing home
In every case, you and your family will want to review the following items in the days before your discharge:
- Prescriptions required
- Are the required home supports in place?
- Transportation
- Please Note: payment for transportation to your discharge destination is not the responsibility of the hospital. This will need to be arranged by yourself or your family.
Alternate Level of Care (ALC)
During your stay, you may be designated as an alternate level of care (ALC patient). This means that you have finished with the acute or rehab phase of your treatment, however are still occupying an acute or rehab bed for a variety of reasons beyond your control. ALC patients are required to pay a fee to the hospital for each day the ALC designation is applied (unless deemed exempt by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care policy and definitions). This is billed at the end of the month or at discharge; whichever comes sooner.
Here are some other common questions patients ask:
What Should I Bring with Me?
- Your Ontario Health Card
- Private health insurance information if applicable (i.e. Green Shield, Blue Cross, London Life)
- Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids, dentures, eyeglasses, or any other aid you use
- All medications you are currently taking, in their original containers. This includes any non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies
- You are responsible for supplying your own toiletries and personal items (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, shaving items, denture cleaner). Please, no scented products.
- You may wish to bring your own pajamas, a robe, slippers, or your own pillow
- A pen and notepad to write down questions or other important information
Please Note: Ensure that any item you have brought into the hospital is labelled clearly with your name.
What Items Should I Leave at Home?
Please leave all valuables at home. This includes large amounts of cash, jewelry, expensive clothing, or other valuables. SHH will not accept responsibility for patients’ personal items and valuables.
What Kind of Room Will I Stay In?
SHH provides private, semi-private, and ward rooms. While we will make every effort to provide you with the room type you request, it may not be possible due to patient volume or infection control requirements. Please note that private and semi-private rooms (if requested by you) are not covered by OHIP and the extra charge must be paid by you or your private insurance company.
Are Meals Provided?
Yes, meals are delivered to your room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nutrition is an important part of your treatment, and your meal is prepared based on the diet ordered by your doctor. If you follow a special diet or would like to speak to our dietician while you are here, please let a member of your care team know.
Can I Have Mail Sent To Me?
Mail sent to the hospital for patients will be delivered to them. Family and friends should address the mail as follows:
The patient’s full name (Patient)
c/o South Huron Hospital
24 Huron St. W.
Exeter, ON N0M 1S2
Please Note: If your mail arrives after you have been discharged or transferred, it will not be forwarded. E-Cards are always an option!
Why Did I Receive a Bill?
As mentioned throughout this page, there are a variety of reasons why you may receive a bill from us. Ultimately, you are responsible for any charges not paid by OHIP or your private insurance plan. These could include:
- Accommodation charges
- Telephone charges
- Charges related to being designated as an alternate level of care patient
Looking to pay your bill? Please visit our How to Pay My Bill page.
If you have questions about your bill, please contact our Business Office at 519-235-2700 ext. 5154 or 5161.