Patient FAQs

Laundry services are available at the hospital, although family members are encouraged to launder patients' clothing. There are washers and dryers on the units for you and your family members to use.

All medications ordered by your physician are provided by HFSC and distributed by your nurse. Please speak with your nurse if you have any questions.

You will be cared for by a physician employed by Hospital for Special Care who is available to see you frequently and coordinate your care with your Special Care Team. Your personal physician will receive reports on your condition and all the necessary information to continue your care following your discharge.

Mail is distributed daily, except Sunday. Email availability may be arranged through your team.

Most rooms are semi-private. We do have a limited number of private rooms, but first priority must be given to those requiring a private room for isolation purposes or other medical or equipment needs. We make every attempt to honor wishes for private rooms, but one cannot be guaranteed for the duration of your hospitalization.

Telephones are provided in all patient rooms except the Neurobehavioral Program (NBP), Pediatric Unit and Autism Inpatient Unit (AIU). Only local calls may be made from these phones. For other types of calls, please contact a member of your team. Special telephones for the hearing impaired are available. Other needs may be addressed with your case manager.

Televisions are provided free-of-charge in all patient rooms except the in the NBP, Pediatrics and AIU.

The Interdenominational Chapel is open 24 hours a day. Religious services are held on Sunday mornings, on holidays, and as otherwise appropriate. The hospital has a Spiritual Care program staffed by chaplains.

A home visit may be necessary shortly before discharge in order to ensure that you may return to home safely. You may request a day pass to leave the hospital to visit your family. Some insurance companies, however, do not allow day passes.

A member of the healthcare team will speak with you and your family about planning a home visit. Before a visit is planned:

• Your attending physician must first authorize a pass
• Your family must be trained to manage your care. Special training may be necessary for a successful visit.
• Your nurse and social worker will discuss any specific issues that relate to your condition with you and your family
• Your nurse and other team members will review your equipment and medication needs

Since our goal is to return patients to the community, a discharge plan is developed for every patient admitted. Discharge plans vary with individual needs. Most patients are discharged home with home care services, to a day rehabilitation program or to outpatient services. Some individuals are discharged to a long-term care facility. Your treatment will ensure that your discharge plan is well coordinated to enable you to receive appropriate follow-up care.

Rehabilitation patients: Ongoing communication with your treatment team is an integral part of your rehabilitation program. Your case manager is your primary link. Each week there will be a Rehabilitation Team Review (RTR), an informational sharing session, which you are welcome to attend. If you are unable to attend, your case manager will speak with you to discuss your program. In addition, a family meeting may be scheduled soon after admission. Family meetings include your physiatrist, case manager, and other members of your treatment team.

Long-term patients: Our primary care coordinators (the PCC, a registered nurse) and social workers are the key contacts on all units. Questions related to your medical condition should be directed to the PCC. Other questions may be asked of the unit social worker. When needed, a family meeting can be arranged.