Your Healthcare Team

Your physician will coordinate your tests, medical care, and treatment. They may request that a consulting physician such as a surgeon or an internist see and assess you. They will work closely with the rest of the team to make sure your needs are met and that your transition between services, facilities and home is smooth. WDMH also has dedicated, inpatient physicians called Hospitalists who may care for you.

Nurses will attend to your day-to-day health care during your stay. Talk to your nurse about any questions or concerns you have.

Your nurse will involve other members of the health care team as required.

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work behind the scenes to manage medication use and provide drug information, helping to build a medication system that is safe, effective, and efficient. Please bring all of your medications to the hospital and give them to the nurse. This will help build your medication history profile. As well, there may be occasions when your own supply of medication could be used while you are in the hospital. It is very important to let us know if you have any allergies, or have had any adverse effects to any medications.

The Pharmacist is available to answer medication questions that you or your family may have. The Pharmacist will work with other members of your health care team to ensure that you receive the best care during your stay.

Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants treat patients with physical difficulties resulting from illness, injury, disability and aging. They help promote their patient’s health and well-being, and assist in the rehabilitation process to help your muscles, heart and lungs. They may teach you exercises that you will have to perform during and after your admission to the hospital.

Occupational Therapists help people learn or manage the everyday activities that are important to them, including caring for themselves, caring for their home, and performing activities of daily living and meal preparation. The OT may also make splints and prescribe equipment and assistive devices. If you normally use a wheelchair or walker, please bring it with you to the hospital.

Dietitians may see you to help with selecting a specialized diet, assessing your swallowing ability and counseling you about the types of food to eat.

If you have diabetes, or are at risk to develop diabetes, you may be referred to WDMH’s Diabetes Education Program. You can also refer yourself to the program by calling 613-774-2422, extension 6765. Diabetes educators offer many different programs designed to help you live well with diabetes. All programs are free of charge

Spiritual and Religious Care is available to all patients as part of WDMH’s commitment to provide holistic care. With your permission, the hospital will notify your clergy of your admission. Following admission, you may let your nurse know at any time if you would like a visit from your clergy or a spiritual care volunteer.

Your physician may order tests such as x-rays, blood work, urinalysis and ultrasounds. These tests are performed by technicians/technologists, either at your bedside or in the related department.

Home and Community Care Support Services Champlain will look after your home care needs. The Care Coordinator may see you during your hospital stay to assess your needs in preparation for returning home. Arrangements may be made at that time for such services as nursing, therapy, or home support. The Care Coordinator can also provide information about other community agencies and support services.

Our Social Worker can help you and your family understand and learn to cope with your illness, diagnosis, or disability. She can also connect you with various community services. She can be reached at extension 6125.

Planning for your discharge begins the day you are admitted to WDMH. Your plans may involve arranging services at home, a temporary convalescent placement, a move to a rest home, a long-term care facility, or a complex continuing care unit. Other referrals may also be arranged to various social service or health care organizations and equipment vendors for assistance with needs identified during your hospital stay. The Flow Coordinator is available to assist you in assessing your future care needs and how these needs may be met, and can be contacted at 613.774.2422, ext. 6320.

WDMH’s Cancer Coach supports cancer patients and their families to identify their unique needs and develop a plan for their journey. She answers questions about their care, provides education, and links them to local community resources. She can be reached at 613.774.2422, ext. 6798.

WDMH is proud to be a University of Ottawa-affiliated teaching hospital. Your physician may have a medical student, resident or fellow working with them. (Medical residents and fellows are medical doctors taking specialized training in a particular area of medicine.) Through affiliation agreements with several different schools, colleges and universities, we also frequently have nursing, physiotherapy, spiritual care, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging students at the hospital. Their involvement in your care is directly supervised by a staff member or physician.

One of WDMH’s richest resources is its volunteers. Annually, more than 100 volunteers donate more than 11,000 hours of service to the hospital community. From high school students to seniors, there is a role for everyone.