Welcome To Delray Medical Center Patient Guide

take outgoing mail to the nursingstation or give it to your attendingnurse.An email message also canbe sent to patients at DelrayMedical Center and PinecrestRehabilitation Hospital. Visit www.delraymedicalctr.com, click on“Our Services” and then “OnlineServices.” Find the icon that says“Cheer Cards.” Simply fill out theform and click the send button.The message will be handdelivered to the patient.MedicinesPlease do not bring anyprescription or over-thecounter medicines to the hospital.All medicines you take in thehospital need to be prescribed,filled and given to you by hospitalstaff. Tell your doctor about anymedicines you regularly take. Ifyou still need them, hospital staffwill give them to you.My Health RecMy Health Rec allows you toview, download and transmityour up-to-date health informationonline. You can view lab results,access health records and pay billsonline. To set up an account, talkto your nurse. For help setting upyour account, call the support line24/7 at 888-252-8149.ParkingParking is available at theMain Tower Entrance, theEmergency Room, OutpatientSurgery and PinecrestRehabilitation Hospital. Additionalparking is available in the parkinggarage, in front of the MainTower, and in the EmergencyRoom and Pinecrest parking lots.Pastoral CareDelray Medical Center andPinecrest RehabilitationHospital have clergy membersfrom various denominationsavailable to provide spiritualguidance and support for you andyour family members. To contactthem, dial the Information Deskat ext. 4111, or check with yournurse. Your own clergy also arewelcome to visit you during yourstay.Patient MealsIf you have any questionsabout your diet, please callext. 6133 and a representativefrom Food and Nutrition Serviceswill be available to help you.Special meals, such as kosher orvegetarian, are available uponrequest. Guest trays for visitors areavailable upon request for a fee.Personal Belongings andValuablesPersonal care items such ascontact lenses, eyeglasses,hearing aids and dentures can bestored in your bedside stand whennot in use. Please do not put themon your bed or food tray to helpavoid them being lost or damaged.Leave valuables like jewelry orcash at home, or give them to atrusted relative or friend to watchover. Delray Medical Center cannotbe responsible for replacingpersonal belongings.Purposeful Hourly Rounding.Because We Care.Because we want you toreceive excellent care, we aregoing to round every hour from6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. We will notwake you if you are sleeping,unless your physician has askedus to do so. During this time, wewill check your pain and yourcomfort, and ask if you need touse the bathroom.TelephoneLocal CallsThere is no charge for localphone calls. To make a localcall, dial 9, wait for a dial tone, thendial the desired number.Long Distance CallsYou can use a calling card forlong-distance calls. You also cancharge long-distance calls to yourhome phone or credit card, or youcan call collect. Long-distancecannot be billed to your room.To make a long-distance call, dial0 and ask the hospital operator fora long-distance carrier or overseasoperator.Other Phone FeaturesTo reach your doctor, contact yournurse. Family members may callthe doctor’s office directly. Theoperators cannot page doctors forpatients.To put a “DO NOT DISTURB” onyour phone, dial 0 for the hospitaloperator and request this service.To use your telephone, press the“on/off” button that is located justbelow the earpiece. Press the on/off button before dialing and againto end your call.TelevisionEach bed has a color television, which can becontrolled from your bed or fromyour pillow speaker. Televisionservice is provided free to patients.Vending MachinesSnacks are available in thevending area next to thedining room.CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE7

Fast Facts About Your Stay CONTINUEDAnA-Z Guide to the Most Frequently Asked Questions. . . . . ··Visitor GuidelinesWiththe recentin COVID-19are priorpleasedto expandAllvisitorsmustdecreaseobtain anddisplay acases,guestwepassto eachvisit. Invisitortoaccessfor forourthepatientsfamilies.orderprovidebest andcaretheirwhileat Delray, we ask that you areaware of the following guidelines:Effective October 11, 2021, the Palm Beach Health Network has amendedThehospitaldoesasnothave set visiting hours however, critical careourvisitationpolicyfollows:areas (CCU, CVICU, NICU, TICU and MICU) may have exceptions duringshiftchangeandGuidelines:during times where patients are being admitted toHospitalVisitationtheunit.Duringthesetimes, visitorswillbe askedto waitin the waiting One visitor for hospital tinue for certain areas, including intensive care and COVID units.patient information amongst the caregivers. For pediatric patients, two visitors will be allowed.We ask visitors to stay in the patient’s room or waiting areas at all One visitor for all ER (emergency room) patients.times, rather than waiting in hallways. This helps to ensure privacy and One visitor for patients undergoing surgery or having a procedure.confidentiality for all our patients. There may be a limit to the number One visitor for patients having an outpatient or therapy visit.of visitors allowed into the room at a time.The patient or family may be asked to designate a familyHospitalVisitor Requirements:spokesperson.This will be the person that will be the primary contact All visitors must check in at an entrance.between the hospital staff, family and friends. This helps by: Visitorswillinformationbe required toweara facemaskcallsat allregardingtimes. the patient’ssharingandtakingphone Visitorsmustremaininthepatientroom/area.condition By entering any hospital, visitors are attesting to COVID-19 screeninga partnership with the healthcare team in planning careperdevelopingCDC Guidelines.for the patient through inclusion of this family spokespersonVisitorsmayaskedto stepout of the patient’s room when a medicalVisitorsmaybe bedeniedaccessif they:procedureto bedone. Thenursing staff will notify the visitors turnaftercompletionofthe procedure. Have other risks as identified by CDC guidelines.Nursing staff will help to coordinate communication with physicianswhennecessary.Weappreciateyour support and understanding during this time.8Delray Medical Centerencourages our familymembers and visitors toalso care for themselveswhile their loved one ishospitalized. This can bea very stressful time foreveryone, so remember totake care of yourself.

Take Charge of Your CareYou are the center of your healthcare team. Let this special guidehelp you get the best results from your hospital stay.You’re in o?charge./-.You are the center of your healthcareteam. Know what’s happening every stepof the way.Alwaysdouble-check.Pay attention and make sure you are getting the righttreatments and medicines from the right hospital staff.Know yourmedicines.Understand whatthey treat, why youneed them and howto take them for thebest results.Speak up.Ask questions andvoice concerns.It’s your body andyou have the rightto know.PARTICIPATEin yourEducateyourself.CARELearn about yourmedical condition,tests and treatmentoptions.Find a supportperson.Pick someone tohelp speak up foryour care and needsduring your stay.Check before you go.Make an informed decision when selecting additional healthcare services.Choose only accredited providers who meet patient safety and qualitystandards. Go to www.qualitycheck.org to learn more.S P E C I A LF E A T U R E999

Protect Your HealthTake Charge of Your CareSpeak UpIf you have questions or concerns, you have the right to ask and get aresponse from your doctor or nurse that makes sense to you. To help,share your answers to these questions with hospital staff.What language would you prefer to speak?Do you need glasses, hearing aids or other devices to help with talkingto hospital staff?Do you prefer to hear, see or read health information?Do you have any cultural, ethnic or religious-based special needs?Who will be your support person who talks with hospital staff aboutyour healthcare wishes? And Remember, Take Charge of Your Communication:Ask About Jargon: If you hear a medical term you don’t understand, askwhat it means.Back: After you get instructions or an explanation, repeat Teachback what you thought you heard so you can double-check that youunderstood.Take Notes: Write down any key facts your doctor tells you so youwon’t forget.Check IDsWhile you are here, many people will care for you (doctors, nurses,aides), and these same people will care for many patients. To preventerrors in your care:Ask to see the ID of everyone who comes into your room, so you knowthe name and job of the person caring for you. If you do not see an IDbadge, contact your nurse immediately.Speak up if hospital staff does not check your ID. Any time staff entersyour room to give you medicine, transport you, or perform proceduresor treatments, state your name and birth date.This may seem repetitive at times, but it helps ensure you receive thecorrect care. Double-CheckAlways double-check your namewith staff to avoid errors.1010S P E C I A LF E A T U R E

5 Ways to Fight InfectionsTake Charge of Your CareThe hospital is a place you come to get well, but you also can come incontact with germs that can make you feel worse. Reduce your chancesof infection by taking these safety precautions.1. Clean your hands.touching hospital objects or surfaces afterbeforeeating after usingthe restroom 2. Ask hospital staff members to clean their hands. Thisshould be standard practice, but don’t be afraid to remind them if theyforget or to ask them to wear gloves when touching you. Ask visitorsto clean their hands too!Cleaning TipUse soap and water oralcohol-based hand sanitizerunder your nails, between yourfingers, and on the palms andbacks of your hands. Rub for15 seconds (the time it takesto sing “Happy Birthday”).3. Cover if you are sick. If you get an infection, limit the spread ofgerms by sneezing and coughing into tissues you promptly throwaway, and avoid touching other people. Ask the staff if there isanything else you should do—like wear a surgical mask—to preventthe spread of germs.4. Keep an eye on bandages or dressings. If a dressing on awound or IV becomes loose or wet, let your nurse know. Also if youhave a catheter or drainage tube, tell your nurse if it becomes loose ordislodged.5. Keep your vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure you are asprotected as possible from the spread of infection. Check withhospital staff about whether it’s safe for you to receive any vaccinesyou might need.About AntibioticsWhile you’re in the hospital, yourdoctor will review and makechanges to your medicines—including antibiotics. This helps tomake sure you’re taking antibioticsin the safest and most effectiveway. Talk to your doctor or nurse tolearn more.S P E C I A LF E A T U R E1111

Don’t Ignore PainTake Charge of Your CareNo one knows how much painyou are in but you. Tell your doctoror nurse when pain strikes, or ifit comes back again after it goesaway. Talk about your pain levelthroughout the courseof your stay.Ask yourself, then share withyour nurse: Where does it hurt? When does it hurt?it keep you from doing Doesthings—like sleeping, dressing,eating?Starting to get uncomfortable?Pain medicine not working? Speakup. You may need to get more ofthe current pain medicine you areon or switch to a different kindof medicine to get relief. Don’ttry to ignore painful symptoms.Managing your pain will help withyour healing process. Talk to yourdoctor or nurse when pain strikes.Which words describe your pain?0 aching0 dull0 sharp0 bloating0 burning0 numbing0 pressing0 shooting0 soreness0 comes and goes0 constant0 pressure0 pulling0 stabbing0 throbbing0 cramping0 cutting0 radiating0 searing0 tightnessWong-Baker FACES Pain Rating ScaleYou’re the Expert on Your Pain0NoHurt2HurtsLittle Bit4HurtsLittle More6HurtsEven MoreCopyright 1983, Wong-Baker FACES Foundation, www.WongBakerFACES.org. Used with permission.12S P E C I A LF E A T U R E8HurtsWhole Lot10HurtsWorst

Safety & PreparationTake Charge of Your CarePrevent FallsWhile you are here, you may feel dizzy or weak. Illness, procedures,medicines or even just lying down for too long can make you less steadyon your feet. To keep yourself safe: Use the nurse call button for help getting out of bed.for help going to the bathroom or walking around. (And use Askhospital handrails when they’re available.) Wear nonslip socks or footwear. Keep often-used items within easy reach (glasses, remote, tissues, etc.).sure your wheelchair is locked when you get in or out of it. Never Makestep on the footrest.Patients of all ages are at risk for falls. It’s better to be extra careful thanrisk another medical problem.Prepare for SurgeryBefore your procedure, make sure you and your surgical staff confirm:your namethe type of surgery you are havingthe body part to be operated on—In fact, hospital staff will mark thecorrect spot on your body. Make sure you or your support personchecks that it’s correct.Take simple steps like these to help prevent medical mistakes. Ask QuestionsAsk your surgeon to take a “timeout” to check: you’re the rightperson, getting the right surgery, onthe right body part.S P E C I A LF E A T U R E13

Be ProactiveTake Charge of Your CareChoose a Support PersonA trusted friend or family member can be a big help during your hospitalstay. Select one key person to be your healthcare advocate. If youbecome stressed or your ability to communicate changes, this personcan stand in for you—and stand up for your care.A support person can:ask questions you might not think of and write down informationdouble-check your medicines and treatmentswatch for signs your condition is getting worse and ask for help Don’t forgetTell the staff who you’ve picked tobe your support person.You Are KeyYou are the most importantmember of your healthcareteam. Make sure you: Understand your treatment Ask questions Speak up about pain Know your medicines Plan early for a successfuldischarge14Pay Attention to Your Care Tell your nurse if something doesn’t seem right.what time you normally get medicine, and tell your nurse if you Knowdon’t get it.drawings or illustrations to help you learn about your Requestcondition.and understand all medical forms before signing. Ask if you need Readinformation explained.your treatment involves medical equipment, practice using it with Ifyournurse before you leave the hospital.Don’tafraid to ask for a second opinion. The more information you have, bethe better you will feel about making decisions.to your doctor and family about whether you want life-saving Talkactions taken.S P E C I A LF E A T U R E

Manage Your MedicinesTake Charge of Your CarePrevent Medicine ErrorsBe sure your doctors andnurses know:your name matches the Thatname on the medicine (useyour ID bracelet to doublecheck).the prescription drugs, Allover-the-counter medicinesand herbal or vitaminsupplements you take.allergies you have to Anymedicines, anesthesia,foods, latex, etc.Whether you take one medicine or five, it’s important to know what youare taking and why. Ask your doctor these questions about any new (andcurrent) medicines you take:What is the name of my medicine? Generic name?Why am I taking it? How will it help? When will it start working?What dose? How often? How long?What is the best time (morning, night, etc.) or way to take it (with food,with water)?What are possible side effects? What do I do if they happen?Are there any foods, drinks or activities to avoid?What do I do if I miss a dose? My Medications ListMEDICATION NAMEQUANTITY/DOSAGES P E C I A LSIDE EFFECTSF E A T U R ETake Care of Your MedsRemember, take charge of yourmedicines. Think you’re due foryour next dose? Wondering if thisnew medicine can replace one youalready take? Want to make sure allyour medicines and supplementsare safe to take together? Don’t beafraid to ask.15

Rights & ResponsibilitiesYou Have the Right to the Best CareFlorida law (F.S. 381.026) requires that yourhealthcare provider or healthcare facility recognizeyour rights while you are receiving medical careand that you respect the healthcare provider orhealthcare facility’s right to expect certain behavioron the part of patients. You may request a copyof the full text of this law from your healthcareprovider or healthcare facility. A summary of yourrights and responsibilities follows: You Have the Right to:treated with courtesy and respect, with Beappreciation of your individual dignity and with 16protection of your need for privacyPrompt and reasonable response to questionsand requestsKnow the identity and professional status ofthe individuals providing your medical servicesand careKnow what patient support services are available,including whether an interpreter is available ifyou do not speak English or experience hearingdifficultiesKnow what rules and regulations apply to yourconduct as a patientCare that includes

Contact Us: 5352 Linton Blvd. Delray Beach, FL 33484 . 561-498-4440 www.delraymedicalctr.com . 3. 561-495-3259 Phone Directory Hospital Services . KEY NUMBERS . Main - Delray Medical Center . 561-498-4440 . Main - Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital . 561-495-0400 . DELRAY MEDICAL CENTER . Admitting .