Download Family Information - IWK Health Centre

Family
Information
b o o k l e t
What’s Inside...
Introduction.......................................... 3
Patients, Families and Friends............... 5
Directions and Transportation
to the Health Centre........................... 11
Caring for Children and Youth............ 17
Having a Baby..................................... 27
Caring for Women.............................. 41
Appendix............................................ 51
Please bring this booklet when you come to the
IWK Health Centre.
The IWK Health Centre promotes a scent-free
and smoke-free environment. Please refrain
from wearing any scented products while
staying or visiting the Health Centre.
Please, no smoking on IWK property.
Construction at the IWK
Started in 2005 and spanning for the next five years,
the IWK is renovating and expanding its Children’s
Site facility.
We appreciate that major construction projects like
our Children’s Site redevelopment can cause some
disruption for our patients, their families and visitors,
as well as IWK staff and volunteers. Without your
support, cooperation and flexibility, this project
wouldn’t be possible.
Thank you for bearing with us through this
important project.
For more detailed information about the IWK,
check out the IWK Health Centre Web Site,
www.iwk.nshealth.ca.
Special thanks to the following IWK Staff who assisted with
the development on the Second Edition of the IWK Family
Information Booklet:
Paula Allen
Manager,
Admitting and Registration
Sandy Christie
Director, Genetics & Reproductive Health
Women’s and Newborn Health Program
Elizabeth “Buffy” Cooper
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Hematology, Oncology
Nephrology, Children’s Health Program
Andy Cox
Patient and Family Advocate,
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
and Addictions Program
Nida DeChamp
Interim Manager for Ambulatory Care Team
and Community Clinics
Women’s and Newborn Health Program
Kathryn London Penny
Executive Director,
Public Relations
Kathy McKay
Clinical Coordinator, Facility Planning
Operations and Support Services
Barbara Whynot
Manager, Family and Newborn Unit
Women’s and Newborn Health Program
Cynthia Grove
Graphic Designer
David McKeage
Senior Officer,
Public Relations
Nick Cox
Public Relations Assistant,
Public Relations
2
Welcome to the
IWK Health Centre
The IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, provides family-centred
care for women, children, youth and families in the three Maritime
provinces and beyond. Offering a broad range of health services, the
IWK Health Centre is a tertiary (highest level of care) health care centre
dedicated to care, education and research.
Family-centred care is the kind of care you and/or your child/youth will
receive at the Health Centre. It recognizes and respects the family as a
partner in the health care process. Care is based on partnerships with
families, health care team members and the community throughout the
Maritime provinces. Within the Health Centre, family members are defined
by you — because we know that family means different things to
different people.
This Family Information Booklet has information for families using the
services of the IWK Health Centre. Inside you’ll find information for women,
mothers, children, families and friends.
Your comments and suggestions are important to us. Please share them
with a member of your health care team or complete one of our opinion
surveys. These surveys are routinely mailed to some of our patients and
families throughout the year. If you do not receive a survey, but would like
to share your opinion with us, surveys are available upon request from
Quality Resources at (902) 470-8870 or from your care unit.
3
Research
As a teaching health centre, the IWK Health Centre has a research mandate
that focuses on developing ways of better caring for women, children,
youth and families. Research gives members of your health care team the
tools they need to fight illness and promote good health. It provides them
with opportunities to introduce the most advanced forms of treatment
that may not be available otherwise.
Research projects are carefully reviewed before they begin and are closely
monitored while underway, as the safety and well being of you and/or
your child/youth are most important.
If you are asked to participate in a research project, the details of the
project will be thoroughly reviewed with you before you become
involved. You make the final decision about whether you, or your child/
youth, wish to participate in research at the Health Centre. Patient care will
not be compromised if you choose not to participate in a research study.
To find out more about research at the IWK, please visit our website,
www.iwk.nshealth.ca and click on Research.
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Patients,
Families
and Friends
5
Important Telephone
Numbers
IWK Health Centre
5850/5980 University Avenue, Halifax, N.S. B3K 6R8
Administrative Switchboard.......................................(902) 470-8888
Patient Information Switchboard ..............................(902) 470-0655
Toll Free................................1-888-470-5888
Poison Information Centre.........................................(902) 470-8161
..........................................................................1-800-565-8161
Emergency (Children),
South Street Entrance................................................(902) 470-8050
Bilingual Services.......................................................(902) 470-8572
Cultural Health Interpreters........................................(902) 470-8888
(ask for on-call cultural interpreters)
Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Addictions Services:
Central Referral (for all services).................................(902) 464-4110
IWK Health Centre Foundation..................................(902) 470-8085
6
Values We Share
The IWK Health Centre respects, values and supports you and your family
as unique individuals and respects the choices you make. During your stay
at the Health Centre you will work together with your family, health care
team and other resources in your community to be sure you receive the
best possible care. In our work together, you have the right to:
• Express your needs and expectations about you or
your child’s/youth’s care to your health care team.
• Have you or your child’s/youth’s needs and expectations heard.
• Be treated with respect, dignity and courtesy.
• Privacy.
• Honest and timely communication of information about
you or your child’s/youth’s care in terms that you understand.
• Have your options for care and treatment clearly explained
so that you are able to make informed decisions.
• Ask questions and receive explanations.
• Have the final say about the care and treatment you or your
child/youth receive, except as otherwise provided by law.
• Know the names of the members of your health care team
and the roles they will play in your care.
• Practice your family’s spiritual and cultural beliefs and
have them respected by others.
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For Those Coming from Away
For those patients and families visiting from New Brunswick or
Prince Edward Island, liaison nurses are available to help make your
visit easier. Funded by the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
Departments of Health, these liaison nurses:
• Provide information for patients, families and health care
professionals on out-of-province health care issues.
• Work with Nova Scotia and your home province health care professionals to plan for your transfer to home care/home hospital.
• Provide information on costs of services covered by your
home province.
For more information, please call:
Prince Edward Island liaison nurse:
(902) 473-7398
pager:473-2220 # 2576
New Brunswick liaison nurse:
(902) 473-7082
pager:473-2222 # 2186
If you are coming from outside Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or
Prince Edward Island, check out the IWK Health Centre website
for more information, www.iwk.nshealth.ca.
8
Places to Eat
Southside Terrace Cafeteria
The Southside Terrace Cafeteria, located on the main floor of the
Health Centre, is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday,
serving a variety of salads, sandwiches, desserts and beverages.
Hot food is served at the following times:
Hours
7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday
9:15 am to 1:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays
Closed on holidays
menu
Hot breakfast (7:30 am to 11:00 am)
Full menu for lunch and dinner
Open seating is available 24 hours a day.
There are also a number of restaurants in the local area that
will deliver to the Health Centre as well as over 30 restaurants/food
outlets within the Spring Garden Road area that are within walking
distance. Please check the yellow pages of the local telephone book.
A 24-hour vending service is located outside the cafeteria and
on the Birth Unit, 3rd floor, Women’s and Maternity Services Site.
There you can buy coffee, soft drinks, and hot and cold snacks.
A change machine is also available.
Tim Hortons
There are two Tim Hortons in the Health Centre. One is located on
the first floor, near the South Street entrance, Children’s Services Site.
It is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed weekends and holidays). The second location is in the Goldbloom Pavilion,
University Avenue entrance. It is open 6:30 am to midnight, Monday
to Sunday.
Subway
There is a Subway restaurant located in the Goldbloom Pavilion, University Avenue entrance. It is open seven days a week from 6:30 am
to 1:00 am.
The Pizza Slice and Frosty Ice
There is a pizza and frozen treats restaurant in the Goldbloom Pavilion, University Avenue entrance. It is open seven days a week from
11:00 am to midnight.
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Banking
A personal touchbanking machine is located on the main floor of the
Health Centre near the cafeteria. This machine will accept Plus and
Interac cards. A second ATM is located in the Goldbloom Pavilion, close
to Tim Hortons and Subway.
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Directions
and
Transportation
to the
Health Centre
11
How to Find the
IWK Health Centre
The IWK Health Centre is located in the south end of Halifax, in an area not
far from the centre of the city. The Health Centre’s front entrances face
University Avenue between Robie Street and Tower Road. There are two
entrances off University Avenue – 5980 (Women’s and Maternity Services
Site) and 5850 (Children’s Services Site) – which take you to the main floor
of the Health Centre. You are welcome to use either entrance.
Note: Access on the weekends is limited to the Women’s and Maternity
Services entrance, 5980 University Avenue.
A third entrance is located on South Street. When you come in this
entrance you will be on the first floor. This patient entrance, NOT THE
EMERGENCY ENTRANCE, closes at 5 pm. After this time, you need to use
one of the University Avenue entrances.
The Children’s Emergency is located on South Street.
Please note: The Children’s Emergency Department entrance is not
for general patient use and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The Emergency entrance for Women’s and Maternity Services
is on University Avenue.
It is possible to reach the IWK Health Centre by several routes, avoiding
much of the downtown traffic. The following are some tips for those
unfamiliar with Halifax. The back of the Nova Scotia official highway map
has an excellent Halifax city map and can be used together with the
following information.
You may find the green H hospital street signs helpful in locating the
hospital district. Remember these signs are not just for the IWK Health
Centre. They also point out routes to other hospitals in this area.
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Directions from the South Shore, Highway 103
As you near Halifax take Exit 2 off Highway 103 onto St. Margaret’s
Bay Road and follow St. Margaret’s Bay Road 5.5 km as it winds
downhill to the Armdale Rotary.
Go straight through the Rotary and up Quinpool Road, keeping the waters
of the NorthWest Arm on your immediate right. Continue on Quinpool
Road for 2.6 km through four traffic lights. At the fourth traffic light (called
the “Willow tree intersection,” with the Holiday Inn Select Hotel on your
right), turn right onto Robie Street.
Continue on Robie Street through two traffic lights. At the third traffic
light, turn left at the fire station onto University Avenue to the IWK
Parkade on your right (please take your Parkade ticket with you as you
must pay inside).
Directions from the Annapolis Valley Area, Highway 101
As you enter the suburbs of Lower Sackville on Highway 101 watch
for the sign “Halifax” and Highway 102 South. Leave Highway 101
at Exit 1G and join Highway 102.
Remain on Highway 102 South for 17.4 km until it enters Halifax
and ends at Bayers Road. Continue on Bayers Road through two
traffic lights (including the double lights at the entrance of the
Halifax Shopping Centre). At the third traffic light, turn right onto
Connaught Avenue.
Continue on Connaught Avenue through three traffic lights to its
very end, which is Jubilee Road. Turn left onto Jubilee Road and continue
through one traffic light. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Robie
Street.
Continue on Robie Street through one set of traffic lights. At the second
traffic light, turn left at the fire station onto University Avenue to the IWK
Parkade on your right (please take your Parkade ticket with you as you
must pay inside).
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Directions from Truro, Highway 102
Shortly after you pass Exit 5A, just south of the Halifax International
Airport, you will arrive at the junction of Highway 102 and Highway 118.
Take Highway 118 to “Dartmouth/Halifax via the Bridges.”
The distance to the IWK Health Centre from the junction is 25.5 km.
After you have traveled approximately 14 km from the junction with
Highway 102, follow the sign marked “Highway 111 North, MacKay
Bridge” to the MacKay Bridge. The toll is 75 cents or one bridge
token.
After passing the bridge toll booth (7.6 km from the IWK) take the right
hand lane across the bridge. Take Robie Street exit and follow Robie Street
signs into the city. Continue south on Robie Street, past the Halifax
Commons, Queen Elizabeth High School and Camp Hill Cemetery (all on
your left) and through an additional traffic light.
At the second traffic light, turn left at the fire station onto University
Avenue to the IWK Parkade on your right (please take your Parkade ticket
with you as you must pay inside).
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Directions from the Eastern Shore, Highways 107 and 7
Highway 107 merges with Trunk 7 and leads through the community
of Westphal and Main Street. Continue straight and pass through
seven sets of lights. As you pass a Dairy Queen and McDonald’s on
your left, make sure you are in the left hand lane as you approach the
eighth set of lights. This will take you through the intersection leading to the Par-Clo (formerly called the Micmac Rotary). Get in the
lane under the sign for “Halifax via MacKay Bridge” and stay in that
lane as you pass through the Par-Clo. Once you exit the Par-Clo you
will be on a five-lane highway 111 North. Continue to follow signs to
the MacKay Bridge.
Continue across Mackay Bridge — there is a 75 cent toll or one bridge
token. Once on the Halifax side, take the Robie Street exit and follow the
Robie Street signs into the city. Continue south on Robie Street past the
Halifax Commons, Queen Elizabeth High School and Camp Hill cemetery
(all on your left) and through an additional traffic light. At the second
traffic light, turn left at the fire station onto University Avenue to the IWK
Parkade on your right (please take your Parkade ticket with you as you
must pay inside).
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Parking Information
Parking is available in the IWK Parkade located on University Avenue.
Parking is available at hourly rates. Please ask a member of Protection
Services, (902) 470-7070 or (902) 470-8286 about special weekly
rates. The parking garages use an automated parking system. When you
enter into the garage you will receive an Entry Ticket. PLEASE TAKE
THIS TICKET WITH YOU WHEN ENTERING THE IWK. You are
required to pay your parking fee at an automated pay station (which
looks like a banking machine) before returning to your car to leave the
garage. Once your Entry Ticket is validated by the pay station as paid,
you simply place the paid ticket on the ticket reader at the exit and the
gate will raise automatically.
Bus Routes
The IWK Health Centre is close to many bus routes that connect you
to other parts of Halifax and surrounding areas (downtown, shopping
centres, hotels and restaurants).
For information on bus routes, schedules and fares, call the
Metro Transit Information line at (902) 490-4000.
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Caring
for Children
and Youth
17
Caring for Children and Youth
The staff at the IWK Health Centre work to provide the best possible care
for your child/youth. We understand that you, as parents, are the experts
when it comes to the care of your children. That is why we believe in
involving you as a member of your child’s/youth’s health care team. We call
it the family-centred care approach.
We want to help you in every way we can. Please ask questions if there is
something you do not understand and ask for assistance if you need help
or have a concern about our services.
Before You Arrive
Preparing Your Child/Youth for Admission to the Health Centre
Preparing your child/youth for his/her visit to the Health Centre will
help reduce some of your child’s/youth’s concerns. Here are some
suggestions to help you do this:
• Meeting with your doctor to explain to your child/youth
where s/he will be going and what will happen.
• Checking your local library for any information about
hospital visits that you can share with your child.
• Telling your child that you will be able to visit/stay as much
as you can during his/her visit to the Health Centre.
An Important Notice
If your child has a cough, cold, temperature, diarrhea or vomiting,
or has been in contact with any of the following list of communicable
diseases within a three-week period prior to admission, please call the
Admitting Department at (902) 470-8103, or the unit where your
child is to be admitted. You may have to reschedule your child’s visit
to the Health Centre.
•
•
•
•
•
Chicken Pox
Measles
German Measles
Mumps
Whooping Cough
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Emergency Department
This department provides emergency care to sick and injured children
and youth, up to16 years of age. Emergency has a system of care to
make sure that very sick or seriously hurt children and youth receive
immediate attention. All other children and youth will receive care as soon
as possible based on the urgency of their medical need. The Emergency
Department’s outside entrance is located on South Street and is indicated
by signs. Please use this entrance if you are bringing your child/youth to
Emergency.
The department provides 24-hour emergency services, seven days a week.
If you think you have a non-emergency situation, it is suggested that you
call your family physician first. If you are unable to speak with him/her and
are still concerned, please bring your child to the Emergency Department,
South Street entrance.
In the case of possible poisonings, please call the Poison Information
Centre line that is available 24 hours a day at (902) 470-8161 or
1-800-565-8161 for Nova Scotia and PEI residents.
Mental Health Crisis Team
The Mental Health Crisis Team provides emergency mental health
assessments and crisis intervention services to children, youth and
families in the IWK Emergency Department 24 hours a day.
The team assesses and determines the needs of your child/youth and
facilitates an inpatient admission if indicated. If more appropriate, the
crisis workers can make a referral to other mental health services.
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Day Surgery
The Day Surgery Unit is open 6:30 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday.
In the Day Surgery Program children and youth, up to 16 years of
age, are able to have surgery and go home on the same day. This
means less disruption for your family and allows your child/youth to
recover at home. You are asked to come to the Health Centre with
your child/youth on the day of surgery and to stay in the Health
Centre until he/she is discharged. For children three years or older
scheduled to have day surgery, tours are available Monday to Friday.
To arrange a tour, please call Day Surgery at (902) 470-7900. A Day
Surgery pamphlet will be sent to you for more detailed information
on how to prepare for the day of the surgery.
Same Day Surgery is a little different from Day Surgery. Your child
comes to the Health Centre on the day of surgery and is admitted to the
Health Centre after surgery. Preparation for your child’s surgery will take
place during a clinic visit sometime before the surgery. If you have any
questions, please contact your doctor who will perform the surgery.
More information on Day Surgery and Same Day Surgery can be found on
the IWK website at www.iwk.nshealth.ca.
Ambulatory Care
(Out-patient Clinics)
In addition to in-patient services, the IWK Health Centre offers a number
of general and specialized out-patient clinics for children and youth. If
you are visiting a clinic, you will usually receive a notice in the mail telling
you where to go, the time and place of your appointment and any special
items you need to consider before coming to the Health Centre.
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Child and Adolescent
Mental Health and Addictions
Children and youth up to their 19th birthday are offered mental health and
addictions services at the IWK. In the Halifax Regional Municipality, youth,
families, physicians, school personnel, community services and other
professionals and agencies, can make direct referrals. Other health care
providers throughout the Maritimes can also request assistance.
A range of services are offered which may include meeting with a mental
health professional at a community clinic, attending a day treatment
service, or being admitted to the inpatient unit. Plans that best meet the
needs of the children and youth being served are developed with family
input. Mental health professionals often work with school personnel, the
Department of Community Services and the Department of Justice.
For non-emergency referrals, please call our Central Referral Service at
(902) 464-4110, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
If your child or youth is not already being followed at the Health Centre
and you feel he/she is in extreme distress, or if there is a worry he/she is
at risk of harming him/herself or others, Halifax Regional Municipality
residents can bring a family member to the Children’s Emergency
Department at the IWK Health Centre located on South Street and a
Crisis Worker will see you.
For more information about Mental Health and Addictions and full list of
programs and services offered, please visit www.iwk.nshealth.ca.
21
Other Care Services
Child Life Services
Child Life staff are trained in child development. They provide a wide
range of play activities to help children/youth cope with their experiences while staying at the Health Centre. Child Life staff and volunteers
run activity areas (playrooms). Toys for your child can be borrowed
from the activity area. (Please ask the staff for more information about
this service). The Teen Lounge provides a space for youth, 12 years
and up, for group activities, cooking, crafts and games. Located on
the sixth floor, the Teen Lounge is open between 2 and 4 pm, and
some evenings. Child Life staff also run TV4U. It is a closed circuit
television network where children/youth can view movies and videotaped special events.
School Services
School Services are provided to children and youth who miss, or are
anticipated to miss, three weeks of school during the year due to their
stay at the Health Centre. The teachers within School Services provide an
educational link with your child’s/youth’s home school. The teacher will
implement, and/or adapt, the ‘home’ school program and curricula to
maximize learning experiences for your child/youth while he/she is a
patient at the Health Centre.
The services provided by the IWK teachers include:
• Providing the families with a list of community resources to assist you in arranging home tutoring for your child/youth in your
home community;
• Supplementing parental involvement;
• Teaching of the ‘home’ school program or adapting the
program if required;
• Arranging of school volunteers for tutoring of patients in
specific areas of study;
• Facilitating a positive return to school.
22
Admitting
The Admitting area is located on the main floor, near the
Women’s and Maternity Services entrance.
• Bring your Health Card or hospital insurance number
(including effective and expiry dates) and your child’s/youth’s
IWK Health Centre plastic card, if you have one.
• A parent or legal guardian must accompany children/youth to
sign consents for treatment and government billing forms if
he/she is unable to do so for him/herself.
• You may also need to give information about allergies,
immunizations and infectious diseases, or any other information you feel is important to your child’s/youth’s care.
• Your child/youth will receive an armband with his/her name;
a special armband will be given to your child/youth if he/she
has allergies.
• You and your child/youth will then be accompanied to the
patient care unit where you will be introduced to a member of
the nursing staff.
Please Note: To make admitting easier for you, your child/youth
may be admitted on the unit where he/she will receive care.
For scheduled admissions, you will receive a notice in the mail,
including instructions and directions to your admitting site.
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On the Patient Care Unit
You and your child/youth will go to the unit most appropriate for his/her
health care needs. When your child/youth is admitted to the unit, you will
be given the names of members of the health care team taking care of you
and your child/youth on a day-to-day basis.
At this time, a nurse will admit your child/youth to the unit by asking you
questions about your child’s/youth’s routines at home, likes/dislikes,
allergies, medications and a brief health history. The nurse will also discuss
with you, your wishes regarding visiting/rooming-in and how the health
care team can work with you to best meet your child’s/youth’s needs.
These procedures take time and it is important for you to plan for this
in advance. It may be helpful to ask the nurse at the nursing station how
long the admitting procedure will take.
Also On The Unit…
• There is a parent/family lounge on some units. This gives your family
and friends a place to go if they need quiet time or a different
atmosphere from your child’s/youth’s room.
•
Phones are available in most rooms. To call in, please call the patient switchboard at (902) 470-8888 and ask to be connected to your
child’s/youth’s room. Calls will not be transferred into rooms after
10 pm. For local outgoing calls, dial 9 and the number. For long
distance calls, dial 0 for operator assistance.
• Washers and dryers are available on some units.
Please remember to bring your own (unscented) detergent.
•
Each room has a television set. Child Life staff operate a closed circuit
television network that is available on every patient television set on
channel 4. This network (TV4U) provides interesting programs for
children/youth.
• Each unit has a kitchenette for you and/or your child/youth to
prepare snacks. There is a limited supply of grocery items available
if you are admitted between meal time hours.
Note: Please do not bring any small appliances
(i.e. electric skillets) as they pose a safety risk.
24
Please note: Many of the patient care units have a rest period during a
certain time every day. This is important to help your child/youth get well.
Non-family visiting may be restricted at this time.
It is very important for your child/youth to feel as comfortable as possible
during his/her stay at the Health Centre. We know this can be a difficult
time for your child/youth and it often helps to bring pleasant reminders
from home. It is a good idea to mark all personal items.
Personal Items Useful to Bring Include:
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush and non-aerosol,
unscented deodorant (if necessary)
• Current schoolwork
• Telephone numbers of family and friends
• Books
• Favourite toy, blanket or comfort item
If your child has an allergy to standard disposable diapers, please let
one of your health care team members know. The Health Centre has
a list of alternative brands available. If you require diapers other than
the ones the Health Centre is able to provide, we ask that you bring
them for your child’s stay.
As a parent, being with your child/youth is very important. Children
need to understand that you are not leaving them forever, but you
are helping them to get better so they can return home sooner. It
helps to tell your child/youth when you are leaving the Health Centre and when you are returning.
We do realize that family and work commitments may require you
to leave the Health Centre for periods of time. If this is the case,
please let a member of your health care team know and they will
make a special point of trying to find someone to spend time with
your child/youth
(e.g. from Volunteer Resources, Spiritual Health or Child Life).
25
Rooming-In With Your Child/Youth…
We encourage family members to room-in and participate in their
child’s/youth’s care where space is available. Generally, there is only
space for one parent for each child/youth. If you would like to roomin with your child/youth, please let a member of your child’s/youth’s
health care team know. They will help you make appropriate arrangements. Bedside cots and linen are provided.
Parents who are rooming-in should bring:
• their own medications
• toiletries
• money for meals
• pajamas
• change of clothes
If you have any questions or concerns while you are rooming-in,
please ask a nurse on your unit.
Leaving Your Child/Youth For The First Time…
Staying at the IWK Health Centre can be an adjustment for any
child/youth, because it means being away from familiar people,
places and things.
Going Home
If you are not staying with your child/youth, a member of the health care
team will call you when your child/youth is ready to go home. It would be
appreciated if you could come to the Health Centre as soon as possible to
allow another child space to be admitted.
When you and your child/youth leave the inpatient unit, please check
with the nurse to make sure you have instructions about follow-up
appointments, medications, diet and any other special instructions for
your child/youth.
After discharge, it is not uncommon for some children to need time to
readjust to home life. Depending on your child’s age, you may notice that
he/she may tend to cling, have bad dreams or express a fear of leaving you.
Such changes are normal and will resolve over time. Do not hesitate to
contact your family doctor or the unit where your child stayed if you have
any questions or concerns.
26
Having
a Baby
27
The staff at the IWK Health Centre work to provide the best possible care
for you and your baby. Please ask questions if there is something you do
not understand and ask for assistance if you need help or have a concern
about our services.
Before Your Baby is Born
Perinatal Centre
Located behind the Information Desk at the Women’s and Maternity
Services entrance, University Avenue, this out-patient centre provides
care, education and counseling to women and their families. Here you
will receive family planning (birth control, yearly check-up), prenatal care
(before your baby is born) and postpartum care (after your baby is born)
from nurses, doctors and other members of your health care team.
For more information about these clinics, please call (902) 470-8365.
Prenatal Education
During these classes you will receive information about:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the Health Centre staff who will care for you and your baby
pregnancy
nutrition
childbirth
relaxation and breathing techniques
pain management in labour
infant care
infant feeding
postpartum care (after your baby is born)
parenting
Note: If you have previously attended prenatal classes, review classes are
also available.
For information about these classes, please call Public Health at
(902) 481-5842 or (902) 481-5868.
Pregnancy and Diabetes Program
This program provides education and support to women who have
diabetes and their families. Both pregnant women and those planning a
pregnancy are welcome. For more information, please talk to your family
doctor or call the Perinatal Centre at (902) 470-6495.
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Planning Your Stay
Pre-Admission Procedure
To help make your admission process shorter and easier, you can
book in advance at any point during your pregnancy. However,
this must be done in person. It cannot be done over the phone.
The Admitting Department, Women’s and Maternity Services Site,
is located in the lobby of the 5980 University Avenue entrance. It
is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. At this time, it is important to bring with you information about your hospital insurance (Health Card, MSI, Blue Cross, Maritime Medical).
For more information, contact the Admitting Department,
(902) 470-7077.
Room Choices
There are three types of rooms available: private, semi-private
(two patients per room) and ward (four patients per room).
The Nova Scotia Department of Health (MSI) covers the cost of a ward
room, so there is no direct charge to you. There will be a charge for
private or semi-private rooms unless it is covered by your insurance.
We will attempt to give you your first choice of room when you arrive.
If we are not able to do so, we will try and move you to the room of
Admitting
The Admitting area is located on the main floor, near the Women’s and
Maternity Services entrance.
• Bring your Health Card or hospital insurance number
(including effective and expiry dates) and your IWK Health Centre card,
if you have one.
• You may also need to give information about allergies, immunizations
and infectious diseases, or any other information you feel is important
to your care.
• You will receive an armband with your name; a special red armband
will be given to you if you have any allergies.
• You will then be accompanied to the patient care unit where you will
be introduced to a member of the nursing staff.
29
Helpful Items to Bring with You
For the Expectant Mother
• bring this booklet
• two nursing bras or good support bras
• 12 breast pads
• 24 sanitary napkins (super absorbent are preferable)
• at least three pairs of underwear
• shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• brush, comb, tissues
• slippers, nightgown/pajamas, nursing gown, housecoat
• books/magazines
• special diet instructions if any
• small amount of money (for snacks/miscellaneous items)
• calling card number (if you have one)
• camera/video camera and film (and extra batteries)
• any medications you are taking
• your watch
• pen and paper
For your baby
• two to three dozen diapers (approximately 12-14 used per day)
• diaper cream (i.e. Vaseline, Zincofax, Penaten)
• two undershirts
• two take-home outfits (you may also wish to bring an outfit for photos)
• one receiving blanket
• one heavy blanket
• one infant car seat
(Please Note: Soothers and nail clippers are not provided and your
support person must bring his/her own supplies for their stay as well.)
30
Special Services
Obstetrical Ultrasound
The obstetrical ultrasound examination is recommended to ensure your baby’s
safety and health. Ultrasound examinations are usually carried out at 18 to 20
weeks into your pregnancy, however sometimes further examinations may be
required. Ultrasounds are required for medical purposes and are booked through
your doctor’s office.
Obstetrical ultrasounds are performed by registered Ultrasonographers in the
Diagnostic Imaging Ultrasound Department on the first floor of the Link Building
at the IWK. Outpatient services are provided weekdays from 8am to 5pm.
Some patients may have their ultrasound booked and performed in another IWK
department.
We understand that an ultrasound can be very exciting for you, your family and
friends, however we can only allow one support person (12 years of age or older)
to accompany you in the examination room. This is to ensure the best environment possible for quality medical imaging throughout the examination. Childcare
is not available in our department and children remaining in the waiting room
must be accompanied by an adult.
Recording devices (e.g. camcorders, cameras, cameras on phones or other video
and/or audio recording devices) are not permitted in the examination rooms.
Please be advised that we are not able to provide paper images from the examination or the gender of the baby.
Upon completion of the examination, a full report will be forwarded from the
Radiologist to your doctor.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your family doctor or the
Ultrasound Department at (902) 470-8970.
Fetal Assessment and Treatment Centre
The Fetal Assessment and Treatment Centre checks the well-being of you and/or
your baby. (This service is for women who are experiencing a high risk pregnancy
or who are over the age of 35.) An apointment is arranged through your local
family doctor or obstetrician. The Centre provides a comprehensive assessment of
pregnant women and their unborn babies. Detailed ultrasounds, prenatal testing,
assessment of unborn babies’ health and treatment of unborn babies to improve
outcome are provided through the Centre. Family members and support persons
are welcome to accompany you.
31
Obstetrics Day Unit
During the last few weeks of your pregnancy your doctor may refer
you to the Obstetrics Day Unit to assess if you need to have further
tests, or have help getting your labour started. This unit is on the
seventh floor of the Women’s and Maternity Site.
Rh Program of Nova Scotia
This program provides prevention and management of problems caused
by Rh and other blood group antibodies. Appointments for Rh immune
globulin injections, or requests for information can be made by calling
(902) 470-6458. Office hours are 9 am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Injections are provided in the Perinatal Centre, main floor, Women’s and
Maternity Services Site.
32
On the Patient Care Units
Prenatal Special Care Unit (Before you deliver)
This unit is for women with possible or known problems of pregnancy.
Doctors, nurses and other members of your health care team help you and
your family plan your special care both before and after your pregnancy.
To help make your stay away from home as easy and comfortable as
possible, Volunteer Resources provides crafts, library books and other
activities for you and your family. There are also a number of educational
programs and support services available. Ask a member of your health
care team for more information. We encourage you to bring your own
clothes and other personal items. For your convenience, there is a coinoperated washer and dryer on the unit (please bring your own unscented
detergent). If you are going to be admitted to this unit, we ask that you
arrive before 2 pm.
If you have been admitted early because of pregnancy complications, and
it is possible that your baby will spend some time in the Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit, a tour of the Nursery can be arranged. There is also a video tour
available. Please ask a nurse on your floor for more information.
Birth Unit
When you arrive, the admitting staff will inform the Birth Care Team.
You and your support person(s) will then go to the Early Labour
Assessment Unit where your condition will be checked. Once you are
admitted, you and your support person(s) will go to your own child birth
room. To help us respect the privacy of others, it would be helpful if your
support person(s) stays with you in your room.
During labour, your health care team will work together to check your
progress, keeping you and your family informed. Your nurse, with you and
your family, will help determine your needs, provide support and physical
care and help your support person(s).
33
After Your Baby is Born
Family and Newborn Unit
After your recovery period in the Birth Unit, you and your baby will
be transferred to one of the family and newborn rooms. Here, a nurse
will care for you and your baby together in the same room. This is
called family and newborn care.
This is a very important time for you and your family to get to know your
baby. Your baby has been very close to you during pregnancy and birth.
It is natural and important for this to continue. As you get to know your
baby through cuddling, touching and talking, you will see how quickly
your baby learns.
The Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Clinic offers newborn hearing
screening services for all newborns admitted to the IWK Health Centre.
Located on the fifth floor, Women’s and Maternity Services site, the Clinic
is open 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday. If your baby is born over the
weekend, please arrange for an outpatient appointment by contacting
(902) 470-7146.
Quiet Time
The IWK Health Centre has introduced quiet time on the Family and
Newborn Unit. It is from 2-4 pm each day.
Quiet time enhances care by providing families with a dedicated time to
rest, as well as increases time for staff to teach new parents. It is intended
to improve the overall health and wellness of families so that you are
better prepared to go home.
The IWK Health Centre encourages visitors to please respect the quiet
time hours on the Family and Newborn Unit.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) take care of babies
who are born early or have special health care needs. If your baby requires the services of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we encourage
you to spend as much time in NICU as you wish and to help in the
care of your baby as much as possible. Family and friends are able to
visit your baby. However, the number of visitors will be limited to two
at a time, so that you and your baby can get the rest that you need.
34
Visiting
For Families:
Because we know that patients need their families, family members are
welcome to visit at any time. However, it is important for all families and
visitors to remember that their loved ones need lots of rest every day.
For Friends and Visitors:
Friends and visitors are asked to call ahead to a family member before
arriving at the IWK to see when would be an appropriate time to visit.
Please keep in mind that if the patient’s stay is a short one, they may
prefer to see visitors at home once everyone has rested up a bit.
Infant Feeding
The IWK Health Centre promotes and supports breastfeeding.
We will help you make informed decisions about your choice of infant
feeding. Your health care team is here to support you and provide you
with the best possible care for you and your baby.
The IWK has implanted a swipe card security system on our Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Birth Unit. Both are located on the 3rd
Floor of the Women’s Site.
The access card security system will be in place on these care units 24
hours a day, seven days a week. It was designed with input from our
patients and families and reflects their requests for increased security
on these units.
Each family staying on our Birth Unit or NICU will be given two access
cards, which will provide around-the-clock access. Visitors will need to
use the phones that have been installed along with the access card
readers outside the entrances to gain access to these units, or make
arrangements to be greeted by the families they are visiting.
The IWK Health Centre is committed to providing a friendly, familyfocused and comfortable environment on the Birth Unit and NICU and
we hope that these security measures will help add to our patients’
and families’ feeling of support.
35
Car Seat Rental
When leaving the Health Centre to go home, your baby needs to be
placed in a rear-facing car seat.
At this time, the IWK Health Centre does not rent car seats.
You can visit www.childsafetylink.ca or call 1-866-288-1388 or
470-6496 for a car seat clinic near you or for additional information.
Please note: Infants must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach
22 lbs and one year of age. Children should never be turned forward
before age one, even if they weigh 22 lbs or more.
A word of caution: Before using your car seat, make sure there are
no missing parts and that it fits properly in your car.
Discharge
On the day you and your baby leave the Health Centre, please make
arrangements to depart before 11am. Small carts are available to help
you move your suitcase and other personal belongings. If you must
wait for a drive/pick-up later in the day, you may have to wait in the
patient lounge.
36
Caring for You and Your Baby
You and your baby will be cared for by many members of your health care
team using something called a ‘care path.’ A care path accurately records
all care provided to you and your baby from the time of birth to when
you go home and eventual discharge from postpartum care in your home.
After you give birth, your health care team will work together with you and
your baby to help determine when you are ready to go home – this means
when you are able to care for both yourself and your baby.
In many cases, you and your baby, if you live within a 30-minute drive from
the Health Centre, will be ready to go home safely in one day (if you’ve had
a vaginal delivery) or within three days (if you’ve had a cesarean section)
of giving birth. Before you leave the Health Centre, you will have a pre-discharge consultation with a public health nurse, who will provide follow-up
care and support (including breastfeeding support) for post-partum moms.
The nurse will check both you and your baby, answering any questions or
concerns you may have. Your family doctor, public health nurse or nurses at
the Health Centre are available for continued support and guidance in the
day and weeks to follow. If required, longer postpartum care is available for
both you and your baby.
In many cases, the care team may decide, based on your care path that
you and/or your baby are not ready for home. If you are ready for home,
but your baby must remain at the Health Centre for further treatment, the
nursing staff will provide information on accommodations for you.
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During Your Stay
Child Tax Benefit, MSI & Birth Registration
You will receive forms to apply for MSI, Child Tax Benefits and Birth
Registration. The Provincial Vital Statistics Act requires that all children
born in Nova Scotia be registered.
Together, you and the IWK Health Centre, are responsible for
registration of your birth. You are encouraged to complete the birth
registration forms and documentation before you leave the Health Centre.
If you have questions or concerns about completing the registration form,
please ask a member of your care team for assistance.
You have 30 days to complete the “birth registration”. Joint request forms
are required if parents are not legally married. Ask a nurse for more
information.
Birth Certificates
The IWK Health Centre does not issue birth certificates.
Please call your family doctor, public health nurse or a member
of your health care team in the community.
Address:
Deputy Registrar General Provincial Building
1723 Hollis Street
P.O. Box 157
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2M9
Telephone: (902) 424-4381
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After You and Your Baby are Home
After you are home, if you or your baby show any of the following signs or
symptoms, please call your family doctor, public health nurse or a member
of your health care team in the community.
If your baby has...
• feeding problems
• less than 5-6 wet diapers in 24 hours or dark, strong-smelling urine
• scanty or no bowel movements
• noisy breathing
• yellow skin (jaundice)
• fever – temperature above 37.5°C
If you have...
• increased bleeding – bright red, soaking one pad or more every hour
• nausea with vomiting of all food for 12 hours
• pain or burning when passing urine
• pain or redness in the legs
• severe headaches or trouble seeing
• fever – temperature above 38°C
• a sore, red area on the breast
• continued “blue” feeling (depression)
39
In the Community
There are also a variety of educational programs and support services
available to you and your family in the community. Please ask a member
of your health care team for information about the programs and services
that interest you, some of which may include:
Public Health provides mother-to-mother help for breastfeeding women.
Leaders help by phone, at monthly meetings and by lending books.
Call: (902) 470-7029.
Parents of Multiple Births Association (P.O.M.B.A.) supports parents
and guardians of multiple birth children.
Call: (902) 435-3403.
ESP (Extra Support for Parents) is an in-home volunteer program that
provides extra support for Metro Halifax area parents during the first
months after their baby’s birth.
Call: (902) 470-7111.
40
Caring
for Women
41
At the IWK Health Centre, there are a number of gynaecology clinics,
inpatient care and surgical services, as well as specialized help for women
trying to get pregnant and women with urinary incontinence concerns.
We work with women, based on their unique needs, and with other health
care providers in offering all Maritime women the best possible care.
It’s about caring for women at all stages of life and, ultimately, helping
Maritime women be the healthiest in the world.
Being a Patient
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while visiting the
IWK Health Centre. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask any
member of your health care team. They are here to help and support you.
You may be asked to participate in a research study during your visit to
the Health Centre. Participation in any research study is always voluntary.
Research, in addition to education and patient care, is one of the three
essential activities of our Health Centre.
Wards, private and semi-private (two beds) rooms, are available based on
your insurance coverage and availability. Each room has a window and is
equipped with a bathroom and bathtub. Each bed has a phone, but please
note that there are rental charges for those patients who do not have
supplementary insurance. Television is also available.
There are no official visiting hours at the IWK, however, friends and visitors
are asked to call ahead to a family member before arriving at the IWK to
see when would be an appropriate time to visit. Please keep in mind that
if the patient’s stay is a short one, they may prefer to see visitors at home
once everyone has rested up a bit. A patient kitchen is also available if you
wish to make yourself a cup of tea or fix yourself a small snack. As the
inpatient unit tends to be very busy, we ask that only family members
contact the nursing station for patient information.
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Having Surgery
If you are coming for surgery, you need to visit the Pre-Admission Clinic
one to two weeks before surgery for a health assessment. Tests that your
doctor may order will also be done at this time and you will receive
information about your surgery. This is done to ensure that you are
completely ready for your surgery.
Please bring the following items with you on the day of your surgery:
• your health card
• loose fitting clothing
• current medications
• toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush etc.)
• robe and slippers
• denture cup
• glasses case
Note: If you are having surgery the next day, you should not have
any solid food after midnight the night before. You may drink
clear fluids, such as water, apple juice, clear tea or coffee
(without milk or cream) up to three hours before surgery.
Admitting
The Admitting area is located on the main floor, near the Women’s and
Maternity Services entrance.
• Bring your Health Card or hospital insurance number
(including effective and expiry dates) and your IWK Health Centre card,
if you have one.
• You may also need to give information about allergies, immunizations
and infectious diseases, or any other information you feel is important
to your care.
• You will receive an armband with your name; a special red armband
will be given to you if you have any allergies.
• You will then be accompanied to the patient care unit where you will
be introduced to a member of the nursing staff.
43
Please arrive at least two hours before your surgery time. You should go
directly to the Admitting Department, Main Floor, Women’s Site, 5980
University Avenue. All surgery is performed Monday to Friday, 7:30 am
until 4:00 pm. If an emergency arises, your surgery may need to be changed
to another time and/or date.
A nurse will help you prepare for your surgery. You will then meet with the
anaesthetist (the doctor who puts you to sleep before surgery) who will ask
you some questions. Then, a nurse will take you into the operating room
and stay with you throughout your surgery.
After the surgery, you will wake up in the Recovery Room. Nurses will check
your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and your breathing every 15
minutes until you leave this area. If you are experiencing any pain, please
let your nurse know.
The Recovery Room
While visitors are generally restricted in the Recovery Room, there are
exceptions. Our recovery room space is very limited and often very busy
and this is the reason we restrict visiting. We realize that families are
anxious, but we need to meet everyone’s needs while maintaining privacy
and confidentiality.
Nausea, or an upset stomach, is a common side effect of surgery.
Medication to help control your nausea will be given to you in the
Operating Room and, if necessary, in the Recovery Room.
To help in your recovery, you should move frequently while you are
in bed. Simple things like bending your knees, wiggling your toes and
moving your feet, often will help. It is also helpful to breathe deeply and
cough many times each day. This keeps your lungs healthy.
By the second day after surgery, you should be able to eat and drink most
choices, however appetites often take a while to return to normal.
Pamphlets outlining expectations and care required at home after your
procedure will be given to you before you go home by one of your care
team members. Your surgeon may outline more specific instructions for
you. Contact your surgeon’s office with any concerns regarding your
surgery.
44
At Home
After most surgeries, you will go home within approximately two to five
days. For the first week or two, you will tire easily. Do not try to do too
much. You may do some light housework and cooking, but it is important
not to get too tired. Vacuuming, heavy lifting (over five pounds), straining
and activities such as sports or aerobics should be avoided.
After surgery, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet. It should include
fruits and vegetables, fibre and plenty of fluid.
Be careful about trying to drive a car too soon. It may take time for your
concentration and reflexes to return to normal. Some people are ready to
return to normal activity sooner than others. Make sure that you have an
appointment to see your doctor for a six-week check-up after your surgery.
Do not have vaginal intercourse until after you have been examined at
your check-up.
Emergency Services
If you need emergency care, please go to the Emergency Department
at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Infirmary Site, located in Halifax on
Summer Street or go to the closest Emergency Room to you. You will be
assessed, and if needed, referred to the IWK Health Centre.
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Visiting a Clinic
Urogynaecology/General Gynaecology Clinic
This clinic offers assessment, treatment and follow-up for women
with menstrual problems, post menopausal bleeding, vulvar vestibulitis,
endometriosis, pelvic pain, abnormal pap smears, sexual dysfunction,
urinary incontinence, prolapse and many other gynaecological problems.
All patients are referred to the clinics by family doctors or other
health care professionals. Please call (902) 470-6755.
Self-Referral Continence Centre
This centre is currently conducting a study of women who refer
themselves for evaluation and treatment for urinary incontinence.
For more information, please call (902) 470-7830.
Reproductive Endocrine Centre
This clinic provides initial assessment including diagnostic procedures,
counselling and referrals for men and women with fertility issues with
links to the Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies Clinic.
All patients are referred to the clinic by family doctors or other health
care professionals. Please call (902) 470-6755.
Early Pregnancy Complications Clinic (EPCC)
This clinic offers on-going treatment of pregnancy status, provides
treatment options, counselling, diagnostic evaluations and follow-up
care for women experiencing early pregnancy complications.
Doctor’s referrals are necessary.
The clinic’s hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 10:30am.
Call (902) 470-7180, ext. 2.
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Mental Health Nurse Advocate
The mental health nurse advocate assists mental health consumers to
access services within the IWK and community clinics. She provides
direct emotional support for mental health consumers attending clinic
appointments. The mental health nurse advocate has linkages with
SANE, Avalon Centre, Narcotics Anonymous, Connections Clubhouse,
New Beginnings and Laing House.
A doctor’s referral is not needed.
For an appointment, please call (902) 470-6755.
Women’s Health Specialty Clinics
Women’s Health Specialty Clinics are designed for women with
mobility challenges. This self-referral clinic offers assessment, screening
and preventative health and wellness screening and advising including:
pap smears, breast health, PMS and menopause counselling. The clinic care
team consists of nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and social workers.
A doctor’s referral is not necessary. The clinic is open Fridays.
For more information, please call (902) 470-6755.
Women’s Health Community Clinics
These clinics, located in various areas throughout metro, offer
assessment and screening (pap tests, sexually transmitted illness screening
and breast exams), teaching and counselling (breast health, menopause,
PMS, heart health, and osteoporosis prevention), and family planning
(birth control).
These community clinics are staffed by a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse
specialist and social worker. The nurse practitioner can make referrals for
mammograms, bone density testing, blood work, colposcopy and nutrition
advising. The clinical nurse specialist also counsels patients on midlife
issues such as menopause and hormone replacement therapy. She also
takes group bookings. Our social worker deals with a variety of issues
including abuse and crisis intervention. These clinics focus on health
promotion and illness prevention. They see women of all ages.
A doctor’s referral is not needed.
For more information, please call (902) 470-6755.
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Women’s Bladder Health Clinic
This clinic offers education, conservative non-surgical treatment and
follow-up care for women experiencing bladder problems. The clinic
is staffed by a continence nurse who works in collaboration with a
urogynaecologist.
This is a self-referral clinic. Doctor’s referrals are not needed.
The clinic runs Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00pm.
Call (902) 470-6750 for more information.
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Support Groups for Women
and Families
Menopause Support Classes
Classes are presented on menopause by an IWK Health Centre nurse
and physiotherapist. Classes are approximately two hours long and
are held three times a month.
Please call (902) 420-6750 for more information.
Loss of a Baby
The loss of a baby before or after birth can be devastating to a
mother, father, siblings and extended family members. Some parents
and family members, as they deal with their grief, have found it helpful to discuss their loss with others who have had similar experiences.
Support groups and counselling offer education, communication,
recognition, connection to others and hope.
The IWK Health Centre’s Spiritual Health Team leads support groups for
pregnancy and newborn loss. Groups run at different times through the
year. Contact Glenn Breen, (902) 470-7722, or Colleen Quinn,
(902) 470-8149 for information on how to register for pregnancy and
newborn loss groups.
Individual and family counselling is available to parents and family
members as well. Please contact Glenn Breen at (902) 470-7722 for
more information.
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IWK Health Centre Foundation
The Foundation is a non-profit organization that fundraises for the IWK
Health Centre. While government funding is essential for day-to-day
patient care, unfortunately it doesn’t support the need for research,
equipment, education and areas of innovative care.
Thankfully, thousands of generous individuals, community groups,
schools, military personnel, and businesses, big and small, from around
the Maritimes, greatly contribute to the Health Centre’s mission by
supporting these initiatives. Fundraising for the IWK Health Centre has
become a Maritime tradition.
On behalf of the many children, youth, women and families served by the
IWK Health Centre, we invite you to participate in this tradition by joining
our family of supporters.
For more information, please call (902) 470-8085 or
fax (902) 470-8000.
Donations can be mailed to the IWK Health Centre Foundation:
5850/5980 University Avenue
P.O. Box 9700, Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 6R8
or through the Foundation’s web site: www.iwkfoundation.org.
The IWK Foundation main office is located in Suite B220,
5855 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS.
The Foundation also has an office in the Goldbloom Pavilion.
The Auxiliary of the IWK Health Centre
The IWK Auxiliary has been an integral part of this organization since 1946.
It is a volunteer-based organization committed to supporting the women,
children, youth and families of the IWK Health Centre. Auxiliary members
are also very active volunteers providing assistance throughout the Health
Centre in a variety of areas.
Purpose with a Passion – At the heart of the organization is a group of
dedicated volunteers who give their energy and expertise to the care of
women, children, youth and their families. The Auxiliary offers stimulating
and enriched volunteer experiences to its members.
For more information, please call (902) 470-8918.
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Appendix
51
While You’re in the Health Centre
Confidentiality
While you are in the Health Centre, we will respect your privacy, as
well as your family’s. All patient information is confidential.
Access to Health Care for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender,
Intersex (GLBTI) Communities
IWK Health Centre supports the Nova Scotia provincial vision for
primary health care: a system in which “the uniqueness and diversity
of individuals, families and communities are valued and responded to
appropriately.”
In striving for this vision, IWK Health Centre, in partnership with
Capital Health, has introduced prideHealth, a program committed to
improving safe access to health care for members of the gay, lesbian,
bisexual,
transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities. The IWK recognizes
safe
access to health care for the GLBTI community is a significant concern.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
Scent Free
Many individuals are sensitive to fragrance. While in the Health Centre
– as an in-patient, out-patient or visitor – please do not use perfume,
cologne, aftershave, scented hair spray or other scented products.
Smoke Free
Our Health Centre is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is not allowed in the
building, in the IWK parkade or on IWK property. Your co-operation and
consideration of others is appreciated.
Fire Alarms
For your safety, fire drills are held occasionally. Everyone in the Health
Centre should stay where he/she is during a fire drill. If you or your child/
youth are an in-patient and not in your room when the fire alarm sounds,
please stay where you are and return to your room after it has stopped.
Do not use the elevators during the alarm. If there is a real fire you may
be escorted out of the Health Centre by a staff member.
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Preventing Infection
Please help us prevent the passing and/or catching of common
infections. When you are visiting a patient, please wash your hands before
and after your visit. If you have an infection (cold, diarrhea) please contact
the unit you are visiting to see if you need to take any special precautions.
Exposure to chicken pox, measles, whooping cough or mumps should be
reported to the nursing staff before your visit. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to ask a member of your family’s health care team.
Cellular Phones
Cellular phones can interfere with the proper operation of medical
devices when used at a close distance. Patients, staff, volunteers, visitors and any other person in the Health Centre should not use cellular phones in areas where patient care is being provided and medical
equipment is being used. There are private phones on the nursing
units, pay phones near the elevators, and rental phones are available
in patient rooms.
Personal Belongings
When coming to the Health Centre, please do not bring:
• valuables such as jewelry, large amounts of money, credit cards
• too much extra clothing
• electrical appliances
• butane fuelled appliances
• cellular phones
* We are not responsible for your personal belongings.
Please make sure they are stored in a safe place.
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Additional Helpful Information
Special Dietary Needs
If you have special dietary needs, we ask that you call a diet technician
at the IWK Health Centre at least one month before arriving at the
Health Centre. However, if you or your child/youth is admitted with
short notice, we will do our best to meet your needs. Special diets
include food allergies, diabetic, kosher and vegetarian needs.
Please call: (902) 470-8417.
Lab Services
Lab Services is located on the first floor of the Health Centre, near the South
Street entrance. They provide out-patient services Monday to Friday from
7:30 am to 5 pm. If you are coming for Trutol (blood sugar) testing, please
report to the lab before 3:30 pm. Glucose Tolerance Testing (GTT) appointments are booked by your family doctor. GTT normally takes between 2
and 2 1/2 hours – during this time you will need to stay in the lab. Lab
Services for in-patients are provided seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Bilingual Services/Interpreters
A Bilingual Services coordinator is available to provide interpretation
services in French and English. Cultural health interpreters are also
available to provide other language interpretation services upon request.
This service is offered to help prevent miscommunication and misinterpretations due to language or cultural barriers. If possible, please let us know
if you need an interpreter before you come to the Health Centre by calling
(902) 470-8572.
Spiritual Health
Spiritual Health is available for patients, families and friends of all faiths
visiting the IWK Health Centre. The Chaplain is available to provide support
and spiritual care on a one-to-one basis or to help make arrangements for
your own clergy or spiritual advisor to attend. Chapels on the main floor are
available for quiet meditation at any time. The religions that have chaplains
available in the Health Centre include: Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and United Church of Canada. To reach one of
the chaplains, please contact the switchboard at (902) 470-8888.
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Family Resource Library
The Family Resource Library is your special library. It provides health
information – written in easy-to-understand language – for patients,
families and friends, and serves as a resource for staff. There is also a
section of French books, videos and pamphlets. The library collects books,
videos, cassettes and pamphlets about specific illnesses, child development, parenting, women’s health issues and community support groups.
There is also a section for children. Videos and video games are available
from the library during the week and through Child Life on the weekends.
There is a computer room with internet access in the Health Sciences
Library. For information about library hours please call (902) 470-8351.
Volunteer Resources
Volunteers are an important part of the health care team at the IWK
Health Centre. Nearly one thousand volunteers provide service in more
than 90 programs within the Health Centre. Volunteer Resources hosts a
complimentary tea break for parents every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 pm
in the cafeteria. There are many volunteer opportunities available through
this department, the Auxiliary, the Foundation and other programs.
If you, your family members or friends would like more information about
becoming a volunteer, please call (902) 470-5980.
Information Desks
The Health Centre has three information desks on the main floor. One is
located in the main lobby, Women’s Site and the other is in the Children’s
Services lobby. There is also an information station in the Gallery of the
Dr. Richard B. Goldbloom Research and Clinical Care Pavilion.
Lost and Found
Please check with Protection Services, in the Women’s Site Entrance, at
(902) 470-7070 for lost items or to leave found items.
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Our Gardens
Newman Memorial Gardens
Located just outside the Women’s and Maternity Services entrance,
5980 University Avenue, the Newman Memorial Gardens is dedicated to
providing a peaceful atmosphere for patients and their families to enjoy.
Generously donated by Barbara Newman, in memory of her late husband,
Norman Newman, the Gardens opened in September 1999.
The Playgarden
When weather permits, families are encouraged to use the Playgarden in front of the Children’s Services entrance, 5850 University
Avenue. It
provides an outdoor environment for children and families for play and is
a refreshing change from the Health Centre environment. The Playgarden
is generously funded by the IWK Auxiliary. The Playgarden is staffed by
members of the IWK Child Life Department – specially trained staff in play
and youth programming.
Please enjoy our gardens – and remember that they are maintained by
volunteers, so your help in keeping them clean and free of extinguished
cigarettes and litter is appreciated.
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Additional Information
Mail Services
Deliveries are made on each unit twice a day. Postage stamps are
available at Biggs & Littles (located in the Goldbloom Pavilion). A
mailbox is located outside both (5850 and 5980) University Avenue
entrances.
The mailing address of the IWK Health Centre is:
5850/5980 University Avenue
PO Box 9700, Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 6R8
Ambulance Charges
It may be necessary to use an ambulance to transport patients from
home to the Health Centre for emergencies and out-patient visits. A
fee may be charged depending on the circumstance and province.
Ask a member of your health care team for more information.
Accommodations:
Hotels – Some hotels in the area offer a special rate for families visiting the IWK Health Centre, as well as shuttle services to and from the
Health Centre. For more information, please call Admitting at (902)
470-8103.
Ronald McDonald House – Ronald McDonald House serves as a
home away from home for you and your family, if your child has frequent or long stays at the Health Centre. It is located on Tower Road
(only five minutes from the Health Centre). For reservations or more
information, please
call (902) 429-4044.
Ronald McDonald Family Room – The Ronald McDonald Family
Room is located on the 3rd floor, near the Neonatal ICU and includes four
bedrooms, kitchen/dining area, laundry facilities, living room with a cozy
fireplace, computers and an art room.
Families with patients admitted to the IWK are invited to visit the Family
Room for a cup of coffee, or simply relax, anytime between 9:00am and
9:00pm. In addition, the bedrooms are complimentary for families to stay
overnight with priority given to those in the greatest need.
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5850/5980 University Avenue
PO Box 9700
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3K 6R8
www.iwk.nshealth.ca
IWK Health Centre
PL-0262 Last Update: 09/09
Next Review: May 2009
Printed at IWK Print Shop
Order from Central Stores
SAP#109058