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Patient Guide
Welcome to SouthCrest Hospital. We are pleased that you and your physician have selected us to provide your medical care.
SouthCrest Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients in a safe and customer friendly environment.
Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive services and care. Whether your needs are for inpatient or outpatient care, we look forward to exceeding your expectations.
You, as the patient, play a vital role in making your care safe and efficient by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your healthcare team. This information is designed to provide you with the tools necessary to do that.
- Speak out if you have questions or concerns. If you do not understand, ask. Your health is too important to worry about being embarrassed. If you do not understand something that your physician, nurse or other healthcare professional tells you; ask for clarification.
- Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Tell your physician or nurse if something does not meet your expectations.
- Educate yourself about your diagnosis, medications being taken, medical tests you are undergoing and your treatment plan. Gather information about your condition, medications being taken and the operation of any equipment that is used in your care.
- Assign a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate. Select a person you can communicate with and that you trust to assist you in clarifying treatment options.
- Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of your healthcare team and should participate in all treatment decisions made regarding your care.
I thank you for choosing SouthCrest Hospital for your healthcare needs and offer you my best wishes for a full and complete return to health.
Sincerely,
Anthony R. Young
President and CEO
Statement of Belief
Those who serve within SouthCrest Hospital support and uphold the following beliefs as the basis for decision-making and service provision:
- We exist to respond to the health needs of individuals and families in their communities to the fullest extent that human and material resources will allow.
- Every person enjoys special dignity and equal worth. Recognition of this dignity demands that acceptance, compassion, and respect characterize relationships among those who serve and with those served.
- The quality and breadth of services must reflect the excellence of professional standards and sound business practice and evidence personalized care and warm hospitality.
- We are called to assure that those served receive the highest quality services appropriate to their needs. Networking among care providers with similar callings should be pursued in ways that strengthen our service response.
Statement of Mission
SouthCrest Hospital’s mission is “Bringing quality to life through people caring for people.”
In keeping with this mission statement, SouthCrest Hospital provides general and acute health services to individuals and families in our community.
Because we recognize the dignity of each person, we strive for excellence in our work. We challenge ourselves to perform in a spirit of mercy characterized by compassion and caring.
Your Accommodations
Your Hospital Team
Food and Room Service
For Your Safety and Security
For Family and Friends
Hospital Bills and Insurance
Special Services/Going Home
Keeping Healthy
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
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Your Accommodations
Private Rooms
All rooms at SouthCrest Hospital are private and are designed for your comfort and safety.
Your Hospital Bed
The nursing staff will demonstrate how to properly work your electronically operated hospital bed. Since the hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home, side rails have been installed. For your safety, these rails may be raised at night or during the day if you’re resting, recovering from surgery or taking certain medications.
Room Temperature
All patient rooms in the hospital are centrally heated and air-conditioned. If your room temperature is not comfortable, please notify the nursing staff.
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Calling Your Nurse
A button to call your nurse is located at your bedside. When you press the button, the nursing station is alerted that you need assistance, and a light flashes above your door. A staff member will respond to your signal as soon as possible.
During the Night
Strange surroundings and sleeping medications may create a hazard if you get out of bed during the night. For your safety, please use your call button for assistance during the night.
Television
Color television sets are provided at no additional charge in each room. Please be considerate of other patients by playing TV sets softly and by turning off your set at bedtime. The following programming has been added:
(Channel 3) Teaming up for Patient Safety is a 10 minute presentation for patients to view.
(Channel 15) The Patient Education Channel is a satellite broadcast service available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week throughout the hospital. The channel provides easy to understand, reliable patient education on some of the most common acute and chronic diseases and conditions.
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Telephones
Telephones are provided in each room, except in the critical care units. Patients may receive calls in their rooms from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Local calls may be made at any time from the room by dialing “9” and the number. Please call the operator for assistance with long distance calls. Your family and friends can call you in your room by dialing 294-4 plus your room number. For example, to call room 822, dial 294-4822. You may call the hospital operator by dialing “0” at any time for assistance.
Leaving the Unit
If you want to leave the unit, please check first at the nurse’s station to make sure your physician has given approval and to let the staff know where you can be reached. It is important to stay in your room until your physician has made rounds and treatments have been completed.
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Your Hospital Team
The Medical Staff
The physician who admits you is responsible for directing your care while you are in the hospital. Your physician, as the coordinator for your treatment program, should be consulted if you have questions about your illness or care.
The Nursing Staff
Twenty-four hour nursing care is provided by a team of professional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants. A Director is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care on each unit. Please feel free to contact your nurse or the Director if you have questions or concerns.
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Pastoral Services
Your priest, minister, or rabbi is always welcome to visit you while you are here. If you do not have a spiritual counselor, volunteer chaplains are available on a limited basis. Please ask your nurse to contact the Volunteer Coordinator at extension 4009.
Dietitians
The hospital maintains a staff of full-time registered dietitians to meet your dietary needs during your stay. If you have questions about your meals or diet, please talk with your nurse.
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Social Workers
Social workers are assigned to each patient care area and are trained to help patients and family members deal with financial, social and emotional problems that relate to illness or hospitalization. Members of the department work with patients and families to help deal with long-term illnesses and rehabilitation and are involved in discharge planning.
Patient Accounting
A representative from the Patient Accounting Department can answer questions about your hospital bill and help you interpret financial policies and billing procedures at the hospital. If you are still in the hospital, please contact them at extension 4727. After discharge, you may contact Patient Accounting by calling 294-4470, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
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Housekeepers
Your room is cleaned daily by a member of the housekeeping staff. If there is a housekeeping problem in your room, please contact your nurse and it will be taken care of as soon as possible.
Volunteers
Volunteers contribute many hours of service to the hospital. They supplement the services of the hospital staff in many ways and can be identified by their nametag and blue vest. If you are interested in becoming a SouthCrest volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 294-4009.
Other Personnel
During your stay you may be visited by many other healthcare professionals, including personnel from the laboratory, radiology, or physical therapy departments. In addition, the SouthCrest Hospital family includes many behind-the-scenes workers, such as accountants, engineers, secretaries, food service workers and others who contribute greatly toward your well being while you are here.
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Food and Room Service
Wholesome, nourishing, and well-balanced meals are an important part of your treatment and recovery. SouthCrest Hospital provides nutritious meals that are prepared according to your physician’s orders.
Patients are served breakfast beginning at 8:00 am, lunch beginning at noon and dinner beginning at 5:00 pm. Occasionally, your meal may be delayed if you are scheduled for a special test or treatment. Whenever possible, you will be served after your examination or test.
Your breakfast tray will include a menu from which you can order your meals for the next day. Please mark your menu so it will be ready for pickup. If you have difficulty making menu selections, a member of the Dietary Department will be happy to help you. Please call extension 4054 for assistance. If you are on a special diet prescribed by your physician, you will receive menus tailored to your specific needs.
A special room service menu is also available. Patient meals are free and guests may eat for an additional charge that can be paid when ordering. Please call extension 4054 to place your room service order.
Family members and/or visitors may also receive trays in patient rooms for a small fee. To order and pay for guest trays, please call extension 4054. In addition, family members and/or visitors may purchase food in the café to take back to the patient room.
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Cafeteria
The Café at SouthCrest Hospital is open at the following times:
Weekdays
Breakfast is served from 6:30 am until 9:00 am
Lunch is served from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm
Dinner is served from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm
Weekends and Holidays
Breakfast is served from 8:00 am until 10:00 am
Lunch is served from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm
Vending Machines
Vending machines for snacks and beverages are located in the Emergency Department waiting area and next to the Café. They are available 24 hours a day.
Food Establishments
There is a list of food establishments available for your convenience when the Café is closed. Please click here for the listing.
SouthCrest Hospital Room Service Menu
Room service is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm for patients and guests. Patient meals are free and guests may order from the menu and pay the guest charge price when ordering. Please call extension 4054 to place your room service order.
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Salads |
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Cobb Salad - Romaine and iceberg blend topped with diced ham, turkey, bacon, blue cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. |
$ 6.95 |
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Chef Salad – Salad blend of fresh spring mix, romaine and iceberg lettuces. Topped with julienne of ham, turkey, cheddar, mozzarella, and sliced egg. |
$ 6.95 |
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Fresh Fruit Plate – Array of sliced honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapples, strawberries, grapes, and oranges. |
$ 6.95 |
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Pasta |
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Seafood Scampi – Sautéed shrimp and mussels tossed with linguini, yellow and red grape tomatoes, and garlic. Tied with a scampi sauce. |
$15.95 |
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Pasta Primavera – Penne pasta tossed with sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, black olives, and capers. Finished with a smoked cream marinara sauce topped with pine nuts. |
$10.95 |
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Grilled Chicken Fettuccine – Grilled marinated chicken tossed with fettuccine and Alfredo sauce. |
$12.95 |
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House Specialties |
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Grilled Filet (6 oz.) – Filet cooked to order with choice of béarnaise, three peppercorn or herb butter. Served with baked potato and vegetable of the day. |
$16.95 |
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Grilled Chicken – Marinated Italian style chicken with red and yellow pepper coulis. Served with rice pilaf and vegetable of the day. |
$14.95 |
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Steamed Orange Roughy (6 oz.) - Orange roughy steamed to perfection with a citrus glaze. Served with rice pilaf and vegetable of the day. |
$16.95 |
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Grilled Salmon (6 oz.) - Pacific salmon grilled to perfection topped with ancho butter and toasted pine nuts. Served with rice pilaf and vegetable of the day. |
$16.95 |
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Hamburgers and Sandwiches (all served with choice of fries or potato chips) |
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Grilled Hamburger - Topped with your choice of jalapeno or apple wood smoked bacon. Includes leaf lettuce, tomato slice and pickle spear. |
$5.00 |
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Grilled Cheeseburger - Topped with your choice of Swiss, smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese. Includes leaf lettuce, tomato slice and pickle spear. |
$5.00 |
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SouthCrest Club Sandwich - Three slices of bread toasted and layered with turkey, ham, lettuce, tomato and apple wood smoked bacon. |
$5.00 |
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For Your Safety and Security
Smoking
In keeping with the accreditation standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) and the Federal Clean Air Act, SouthCrest Hospital is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking is known to be harmful to the smoker’s health as well as those who experience tobacco smoke secondarily. SouthCrest Hospital joined all other Tulsa hospitals in banning the use of tobacco on campus effective November 16, 2006. In the interest of health for our patients, our visitors and our associates, no use of tobacco products will be permitted on any SouthCrest property.
Fire Drills
For your protection, the hospital conducts fire and disaster drills regularly. If a drill occurs while you are here, remain calm and the staff will give you instructions.
Oxygen
Special regulations are in effect in areas where patients are receiving oxygen. Electrically operated equipment and aerosol products are not permitted in these areas. Absolutely no smoking is permitted around patients on oxygen in the hospital or at home, due to the potential for fire.
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Medications
Please make sure your healthcare team is aware of all of the medications you are taking including over-the-counter medications and herbs. We want to be certain your medications do not react in a negative way with each other.
Medications come in many sizes, shapes, dosages and colors. Ask your physician or nurse to explain to you what the medications are and why you are taking them.
When you go home from the hospital with medications, make sure you can read them and have been educated on what they are for and how to take them. Ask your physician, pharmacist or a member of your healthcare team if you have questions about possible side effects or how to take the medication.
If your medication is liquid, get a medication dispenser from your local pharmacy to be certain you are getting the correct dosage each time. Using a teaspoon from your silverware is not a safe way to measure your medication.
All medications you take while in the hospital are prescribed by your physician, dispensed by the hospital pharmacy and administered by a nurse. Patients are not permitted to administer their own drugs or keep personal medications at their bedsides.
It is VITAL that you let a member of your healthcare team know if you have an allergy to ANY medication, even if it is only a rash. It is possible to not have an allergic reaction to a medication until after you have taken it several times.
Eating certain foods while taking medication can sometimes cause you to have a reaction (an upset stomach, for example). Please be sure to ask if there are any foods you should avoid while taking medications.
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Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available on all nursing units, but getting in and out of them without assistance may be hazardous. Please ask for help from a member of the hospital staff.
Valuable or Lost Items
The hospital is not responsible for money or personal belongings kept in the patient room. All valuables should be sent home with family members. If valuables must be kept on site, the Safety and Security Office should be contacted at extension 4444 so that the items can be secured in the hospital safe. You will be given a written receipt for all items which must be presented when you withdraw them. The hospital does not accept responsibility for items of value unless they are deposited in the safe. If you lose something, please notify your nurse immediately and we will make every effort to help you find it. Unclaimed articles are turned in to the Safety and Security Office where they are kept for 90 days. To inquire about lost articles, call the Safety and Security Office at 294-4444.
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Keeping Healthy
Avoiding a Fall
Keeping you safe while you are here for care is one of our primary goals. You may have tests, medications and treatments that increase your chance of falling while hospitalized. Being in bed for even one day or taking new medications can cause a person to feel dizzy or weak. Here is what you can do to help prevent falls:
- If your call light, bedside table, telephone and anything else you need are not within easy reach let your nurse know.
- Ask your physician or nurse what activities are safe for you to do on your own.
- Ask for help before you get out of bed especially if you feel weak, lightheaded or dizzy.
- Do activities at a slower speed. Move slowly. Sit at the side of the bed and wait to see how you feel before you stand up.
- If you need help to walk, please call your nurse. Never lean on or use an IV pole or anything with wheels to support you.
- Use the toilet often so that you will not have to hurry when you have to go. Also ask for assistance when walking to and from the restroom.
- Please ask someone to unplug and plug in your IV pump. Bending over can cause a person to feel dizzy.
- When possible, avoid wearing long nightgowns and robes. These can cause a person to trip.
- Wear slippers, socks or shoes that will not slip when you get up. It is best to wear shoes or slippers that fit well and stay securely on the feet. Please ask your nurse for a pair of slip resistant socks if you need something to wear.
- Please let a member of the healthcare team know there is a spill or slippery area that could cause you or others to slip and fall.
Once you reach your room, a nurse will do an initial assessment. If it is determined you are at a risk for falls, you will be given a fall risk bracelet. This bracelet is very important to your safety and should only be removed by a member of the healthcare team. If you or a family member notices that your bracelet is missing, please notify your nurse immediately so that another bracelet can be made.
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Avoiding Skin Breakdown
When you are very sick, you are prone to have skin breakdown wherever the weight of your body presses into the bed. You are at greatest risk if you move very little, or if you are in bed or a chair for a long time, especially if you have also been losing weight. It is worth a great deal of effort to keep skin well protected as skin breakdown is uncomfortable, slows your overall healing and is costly to treat once acquired. To help protect yourself from skin breakdown, follow these guidelines:
· Change position at least every two hours. If you are in bed and comfortable in most positions, lie on one side, then your back, then the other side. Have a member of your healthcare team show you and your family members how to help you shift positions comfortably.
· Use pillows to protect common pressure points where skin breaks down easily, including your heels and elbows, the back of the head, the buttocks and between the knees. The pillows will support your body so that areas with breakdown or those at risk for breakdown are not bearing weight.
· Ensure that you are eating a balanced diet. Good nutrition promotes skin health.
· Maintain a clean, dry environment for all areas of skin. Moisture from weepy skin, perspiration, urine or bowel movements hastens skin breakdown.
· Gently massage the back, arms, ears, hands, legs and feet with moisturizing lotion or cream.
· If you or your family notices reddened or broken skin or pressure points, please notify your physician or nurse immediately. You may need special medications, dressings or bed accessories (such as soft pads or heel protectors) to provide added skin protections.
Preventing Infections in the Hospital
Infections can occur after many types of medical procedures. This is particularly true if you are having surgery. There are several things you can do to help prevent infections from developing in the hospital:
- Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material. This is especially important after you have gone to the restroom.
- Since you are part of your healthcare team, do not be afraid to remind physicians and nurses about washing their hands before working with you.
- If you have an intravenous (IV) catheter, keep the skin around the dressing clean and dry. Tell your nurse promptly if the dressing works loose or gets wet.
- Likewise, if you have a dressing on a wound let your nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or gets wet.
- If you have any type of catheter or drainage tube let your nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or dislodged.
- If you have diabetes, be sure that you and your physician discuss the best way to control your blood sugar before, during and after your hospital stay. High blood sugar noticeably increases the risk of infection.
- If you are overweight, losing weight will reduce the risk of infection following surgery.
- If you are a smoker, you should consider a smoking cessation program. This will reduce the chance of developing a lung infection while in the hospital and may also improve your healing abilities following surgery.
- Carefully follow your physician’s instructions regarding breathing treatments and getting out of bed. Do not be afraid to ask for help, advice or sufficient pain medications.
- If possible, ask your friends and relatives not to visit if they themselves feel ill.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions about your care so that you may fully understand your treatment plan and expected outcomes. You and your family/friends will be able to better facilitate your recovery.
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Alarms
For your safety, alarms are placed on our equipment. If you hear an alarm coming from equipment in your room, please help the staff by pressing your call bell and notifying the nurse.
Surgical Safety
Your surgical team will mark your surgical site with a pen to be certain it is understood what part of your body will be undergoing surgery. Surgery staff takes a “time out” just before your surgery to confirm your name and birth date, the procedure to be performed and the location to be certain the correct area has been marked. Make sure you understand everything that will happen if you need surgery. A member of the healthcare team can walk you through the process. If you have trouble understanding, ask questions and/or bring a family member or friend to assist you.
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