Patient Information
During Your Stay
What Should I Bring to the Hospital?
When preparing for a stay at Hanover & District Hospital (HDH) be sure to bring the following items:
- Your Ontario Health Card
- A piece of Government issued photo ID
- All of your medications (in original bottles) along with a list of your current medications including non-prescription medications.
- If you use mobility, vision or hearing aids, bring those devices with you.
- If you have additional health coverage, bring your insurance information with you.
- Any personal belongings or toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste) you might need during your stay including pajamas, rubber bottom slippers, robes etc.
Please don’t bring any valuables with you for your hospital stay. HDH is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. This includes, but is not limited to electronics, jewellery, cash and credit cards.
Do I Need to Pay for My Hospital Care?
If you are a Canadian resident, OHIP will cover most, if not all, of your hospital services. Some services are “de-listed” by OHIP. Your insurance may still cover some of these services.
OHIP does not cover private or semi-private rooms. Check with your insurer before you arrive if possible. If your insurance covers these accommodations, let us know right away.
Every effort is made to provide you with the appropriate accommodation, private, semi or ward room. If your choice is unavailable, you will be moved when a suitable option become available. HDH will invoice you for all uninsured hospital services you received.
Please note that it is the patient/family's responsibility to transport or arrange transportation to and from the hospital.
Aboriginal Patient Navigators
Aboriginal Patient Navigators are available Mon-Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm (excluding holidays)
Who are we? We support Indigenous people in navigating their health care journey.
Why are we here? to help remove barriers to accessing equitable healthcare; to promote and advocate for a culturally safe environment; to assist in identifying needs and areas for improving quality of care for Indigenous people in hospital.
What can we do in hospital? Connect in-person with patient or by phone, to provide support at the hospital by enhancing communication; advocacy; referrals to SOAHAC services; attend rounds; help to understand healthcare plan; participate in discharge plan.
The Navigators are employed by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) and their contact information is listed below. Referrals can be made by self-referral.
Nadia McCormick - 519-378-8101
Carrie Burke - 519-373-2197
Your Privacy is Important to Us!
HDH will protect your personal health information by keeping it safe and secure. When you are admitted, you will be given a number which you can give to your family for inquiries. When they call, they will be asked for the number. No information or condition update will be given without the number.
The use of recording devices is not permitted without consent. We reserve the right to review media records at HDH to protect privacy and confidentiality.
There may be times when you overhear a conversation between a roommate and the health care provider. We ask that you respect the confidentiality of others.
Zero Tolerance for Violence
HDH is a place of mutual respect for staff, patients, visitors, physicians and volunteers. In situations of verbal or physical aggression/violence the police will be called and charges may be laid.
Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space. Your words matter. Your behaviours matter. Our patients and our teams matter.
Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Property
To protect the health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Hanover & District Hospital is a Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Property. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will be offered to admitted patients.
Spiritual Care/Chaplaincy Services
An on-call Chaplain is available 24 hours a day for urgent pastoral care needs. The on-call Chaplain can be reached by calling Switchboard at “0” while in the hospital and they will page the Chaplain. A Day Chaplain is available several days a week and will offer support according to the faith of the patients. You may request a Day Chaplain visit by asking your health care provider.
Your Rights & Responsibilities
Free Wi-Fi Access
HDH offers free Wi-Fi to its’ visitors and guests. Simply access the “Guest” network and register on your device’s browser to gain access for 24 hours.
Telephones & Televisions
Telephones are available in each patient room with no charge for local calls. Hearing impaired phones are available upon request. Televisions are available in patient rooms.
Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) - Organ and Tissue Donation
HDH collaborates with the TGLN working to save lives through organ and tissue donation and identification of potential donors. HDH reports every patient death to TGLN so that specially trained staff can identify potential donors and work with families to discuss options. If a death occurs, your family will be contacted via phone by TGLN.
As a community member, you can make a difference by registering to be a donor today at BeADonor.ca. Evidence shows when families are presented with proof of registration they consent to donation, but in the absence of registration, consent drops dramatically.
For more information on donation, please visit the Trillium Gift of Life Network.
For more information, take a look at our Patient Information and Client Services Directory
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are 11:00am – 8:30pm with a break from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. The following policy will be in place for each department;
- The Acute Care Unit will allow two (2) visitors to visit the bedside at one time. Masking is strongly encouraged to help us protect your loved one.
- Emergency Department, Surgical Services, Outpatient Clinics/Appointments will allow for one (1) support person with each patient.
- The Emergency Department will allow children to be accompanied by two (2) support persons; adults will continue to be permitted one (1) support person.
- The Family Centred Birthing Unit will allow for two (2) support persons during labour. Post-partum one (1) support person may stay with the mother. All other visitors must follow the general criteria.
- Exceptional circumstances will be managed on a case-by-case basis.
Masking is not mandatory in all areas; but it recommended. (see guide below) Masking is still required while visiting the patient’s bedside when the patient has been placed in additional precautions for infection control purposes. Food and drink are not permitted at the bedside for visitors.
Please perform hand hygiene and do not visit an inpatient if you are experiencing symptoms of fever and/or chills, sore throat, new or worsening cough and runny/stuffy nose.
Please keep in mind that waiting room space is very limited in all departments and Emergency Room volumes have increased. Please consider the space available and do not bring a support person if it is not necessary.
Parking
Free parking is provided on the hospital site for the first 30 minutes of use. Public parking beyond 30 minutes will have a set rate of $3.00 per vehicle.
Daily, monthly and annual parking passes can be purchased at the hospital Switchboard.
Masking and Hand Hygiene
Masking is not mandatory in all areas; but is recommended. Masking is required while visiting the patient's bedside when the patient has been placed in additional precautions. While you are visiting the hospital, we encourage you to use the hand sanitizers conveniently located throughout the building and at each entrance. Please wash your hands before entering a patient room and when leaving.
Infection Control Guidelines for Visitors
Visitors must read and follow the infection control guidelines posted at patient rooms. If an isolation precaution sign is posted on a door, all visitors must STOP and report directly to the nursing station where they will be provided with instructions.
To protect against the spread of infection, visitors are asked NOT to;
- Use the washrooms in the patient's rooms - there a public washrooms located throughout the hospital.
- Share the patient's food or use any of their utensils, glasses or cups.
- Do not visit an inpatient if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms of fever and/or chills, sore throat, new or worsening cough and runny/ stuffy nose.
Zero Tolerance for Violence
HDH is a place of mutual respect for staff, patients, visitors, physicians and volunteers. In situations of verbal or physical aggression/violence the police will be called and charges may be laid.
Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Property
To protect the health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Hanover & District Hospital is a Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Property. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will be offered to admitted patients.
Hospital Amenities
Public Washrooms
Public washrooms are located in the main lobby (wheelchair accessible), in the Emergency Department, and on the second floor behind the elevators.
Vending Services
The vending machine is located on the Main Floor of the hospital and is available 24/7.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is located on the main floor and features snacks and beautiful gift items along with offering no tax on purchases.
Volunteers manage the Gift Shop which serves the needs of the patients, staff and daily visitors. Through the operation of the Gift Shop and other public fundraising events, the Auxiliary has supported the hospital to purchase much needed equipment.
Reflection Room:
A Reflection Room is available for patient and family use. ALL are welcome to use this space that has been designed to provide a tranquil environment for self-reflection, meditation and relaxation. The room is open for use on a first come-first served basis in Room 329.
Discharge
Your health care team wants to ensure that once your acute medical needs have been addressed, you can safely be discharged back to your home. Please vocalize any concerns that you have regarding your discharge care with your care providers so that it can be addressed and included in your plan of care. Questions regarding your health care will be answered before discharge including prescriptions and follow-up appointments, if necessary.
You will be told your time of discharge. Please arrange for transportation home. If you are unable to get transportation, the Hospital will help arrange transportation. You will have to pay for the transportation provided. If you have any questions about going home, ask a health care provider.
After Discharge
Within 48 hours you will receive a telephone call from our nursing staff to ensure your transition home is a success. Also, if you have a Hanover family physicians you will be contacted for a follow-up appointment with your physician.
Alternative Level of Care (ALC) Co-Payment
Should your health care provider determine you no longer require acute care treatment and you are awaiting transfer to a long term/chronic care facility, you will be charged the same daily rate as would be applicable in a long term/chronic care facility.
Non-Compliance with Discharge
HDH must ensure appropriate use of Hospital beds. When your health care provider feels that you are ready to go home or be transferred to another facility, you will be required to leave. If you refuse to leave, you will be charged for your accommodation.
Patient Satisfaction Survey
You may receive a patient satisfaction survey prior to leaving the hospital. The survey is available electronically as well. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and provide your feedback. Your opinion is important to us as we continually try to improve services for our patients and families. Patient Satisfaction Survey
When You Have Concerns
We hope your stay with us is as pleasant as possible. If you have any concerns about your care, please contact the Patient Care Manager.
Ethics Committee
Any patient, staff or family member can request the assistance of the Ethics Committee simply by asking to speak to an Ethics Committee Member. If you have an ethical issue of concern, ask a health care provider to contact an HDH Ethics Committee Member.
The Ethics Committee provides a forum for exploring concerns about your rights, responsibilities and attitudes surrounding ethical problems. The committee provides policy guidance, education, and recommendations for the resolution of ethical concerns.
The HDH COVID-19 Assessment Centre is closed as of October 21, 2022. Please find alternative locations below or
search for testing near you. Self-Collection PCR Testing LocationPharmasave, 101-118 7th Ave, Hanover, ON
Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday (by appointment only)
Please call ahead to book an appointment (519-364-4422)
Helpful Resources
With information changing frequently with COVID-19, the best advice is to stay informed. Visit the below links for a reliable source of information.
Ministry of Health:
To take a self-assessment, find a testing location, check test results and screen before you goGrey Bruce Public Health Unit (Book a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment)COVID-19: Outbreak UpdatePublic Health Ontario