Care from medical students

Medical students and students in other health disciplines, such as nursing and physiotherapy, often train at RVHS. Patients will be notified if there is a student involved in their care, and will be introduced to him or her. Students wear hospital identification at all times. Patients may decline, at any time, having a student involved in their care.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a personal response and support service that helps people with special medical problems, including the elderly or infirm, to live independently with peace of mind. Clients are provided with a wearable push-button device they can activate in an emergency. For example, if the person falls down and cannot get up, she or he can send a signal that reaches the Lifeline Response Centre, which will then send help.

To find out more about Lifeline call any of the following numbers:

• Toronto: 416-445-3387

• Durham: 1-800-707-2206

• Other regions: 1-800-387-8120

Pet therapy

It’s a medical fact that affectionate interaction with a pet helps healthy people to stay healthy and sick people to feel better. It reduces blood pressure and provides a sense of well-being. Both of our hospital campuses bring in pet therapy dogs, with their handlers, to visit patients who wish to take advantage of this service.

The pet therapy dogs bring cheer when they visit. Please ask the nurse about their schedule.

Private nursing & private nursing assistant care

In cases where inpatients or their families want private nursing care, the hospital works with local nursing and nursing assistant agencies to arrange it. If you are interested in this, please contact the unit clerk on the patient floor. The clerk will connect you with a nursing agency, which will confirm whether your insurance covers the cost or not, or if it doesn’t, what the cost will be to you. The financial contract is between you and the agency.

Patient observer

Rouge Valley acknowledges that there may be times when a family member of an admitted patient is not able to remain with the patient for the entire time that is required to provide the appropriate companionship for the patient.

RVHS can provide a list of private agencies that the family can contact to organize a companion to stay with the patient and provide an opportunity for companionship relief for the family.

Please note that families will assume the cost for this service. The list of agencies is available at the nursing station.

Download Patient Observer brochure.

Social workers

Social workers help patients and families deal with emotional and social matters related to illness and hospitalization. They provide counselling and help arrange access to a range of community resources. To contact a social worker, just ask a member of your health care team.