Directory of Services (A-M)

• Advance Directives
• Anesthesiology
• Birthing Center
• Cancer - See Oncology
• Cardiac Services / Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Emergency
• Gastroenterology
• Intensive Care Unit
• Internal Medicine
• Laboratory Services
• Medical Records
• Medical/Surgical Unit
• Mental Health
• OB/GYN

Advance Directives

Anesthesiology

Birthing Center

Cancer

 See "Oncology"

Cardiac Services / Cardiac Rehabilitation

Emergency Department

General Information:

The ED is an 11 bed secured unit, which includes one triage room. We care for a diverse patient population, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric. We are staffed with RN’s, LPN’s and Med/Surg. Techs and have an ED physician in the facility 24/7. We are prepared to provide the community with their healthcare needs at a moment’s notice.

News:

We have a purchased a Glidescope which will assist physicians with intubation. This new “scope” allows the physician to visualize the patient’s trachea while inserting an endotracheal tube. This will assure rapid and safe intubations.
Our new portable ultrasound will be used for the insertion of PICC lines and for starting difficult IV’s.
We also have a new fluid and blanket warmer.

FAQ’s:

1. What happens when I first arrive at the Emergency Department (ED)?

You will be greeted by our registration clerk who will write the reason for your visit to the ED, and the time of your arrival. The triage nurse will then take you to our triage room to gather more information about you and your condition. Once you have been assessed by the triage nurse you or a family member will be directed to the registration clerk who will obtain necessary demographic and insurance information. Depending on the assessment of the triage nurse you will be directed to the waiting room or to an ED treatment room.

2. What is triage?

Triage is method used to rapidly prioritize patient care. Triage is necessary to ensure patients are examined by a physician in order of highest priority. The triage nurse uses the Emergency Scale Index (ESI) system which assigns a number 1-5 indicating priority.

3. Will I have to wait long to be treated?

Patients in the ED are treated in order of priority. This means you may have to wait longer if your condition is not life-threatening. The ED staff makes every attempt to keep patient waiting times to a minimum. If there is anything we can do to make your wait more pleasant, please let one of the ED staff members know.
We do all we can to keep your wait time as minimal as possible.

4. How long does it take to get test results?

The timing of test results is determined by how many patients are being evaluated and what type of testing you may need. A general time schedule of routine test results you may need while in our ED:

• Blood test results...............................90 minutes
• X-ray results………………………..60 minutes
• Ultrasound results……………..........60-90 minutes
• CT scan results……………………. 60-90 minutes

Times are approximate and may vary depending upon Emergency Department activity.

5. How does my family find out about my condition?

With your permission, we can update family members on your status. We can provide you with a portable phone so you can speak with family members as necessary. The ED staff will make every attempt to update family and friends, however during times of high ED activity, our patient’s needs come first.

6. Are visitors allowed?

The decision to permit visitors into the ED patient treatment area is at the discretion of the ED nursing staff. There are times that visitors are not appropriate in treatment areas. Such as during high ED activity, when the physician is examining patients, when patients are being transported for diagnostic procedures, safety concerns, etc.
Because the Emergency Department is a busy area with limited space, we ask that visitors follow a few key guidelines:

• Only two healthy adult visitors may accompany you into the room. Additional visitors will be directed to the ED waiting room.
• Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the ED treatment area as visitors, unless under special circumstances which will be determined by the ED staff.
• The ED is a secured area. Visitors must check in at the registration desk to ask if they can visit a patient. Once inside the treatment area, visitors should remain at the bedside and respect other patients’ privacy by staying behind the treatment room curtain or door.

Gastroenterology

Please refer to our physician listings under "Medical Staff Directory" for service.

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a specialized unit within the hospital that provides comprehensive and continuous care for persons who are critically ill and who can benefit from treatment.  The ICU staff cares for patients and provides support for families in time of need.  ICU utilizes specialized equipment and staff trained to care for critically ill patients.  Patients may be admitted from the emergency department, surgical services, or other hospital areas if their condition warrants.  ICU operates 24/7.

Visiting Hours

General visiting hours for the ICU are between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and at the discretion of the nursing staff.  Prior to entering the unit families must call into the ICU by using the phone in the ICU waiting room. Children are not allowed to visit.  Visiting patients in ICU is dependent upon individual patient needs and acuity of the unit at the time. 

Intensive Care Team

The ICU team consists of physicians, nurses, medical/surgical aides, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists and social workers.  Pastoral care is available also. The highly motivated staff use their unique expertise and ability to interpret important therapeutic information and highly sophisticated equipment to provide care that leads to the best outcomes for the patient.  Typical examples of illnesses treated in the ICU are heart attack, angina, heart failure (CHF), pneumonias, respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), abnormal heart rhythms, drug overdose, stroke, sepsis, or surgical complications.  The ICU patient often is attached to several pieces of equipment in order to provide valuable information to aide in recovery.

Physicians - in most cases your family physician will be caring for you while you are hospitalized. If you do not have a local physician one will be assigned to your care while you are in the hospital.

Nurses – ICU nurses have specialized training in caring for critically ill patients and provide around- the-clock bedside care and monitoring.  Their expertise and continuous presence allows early recognition of subtle but significant changes in patient conditions, thereby preventing worsening conditions and minimizing complications that may arise. The bedside nurse has the great responsibility of coordinating all the care provided to ICU patients.

Medical/Surgical Aides – staff that are trained to obtain and record vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. They also assist the nursing staff with your personal care needs.

Respiratory Therapists – clinical staff that monitor patients’ respiratory status and may use equipment such as nebulizers or inhalers to administer breathing medications.  Respiratory Therapists also assist the nursing staff in the care and use of ventilators.

Physical Therapists – clinical staff who help maintain patients’ flexibility and muscle strength to prevent disability and speed recovery.

Pharmacists – evaluate all drug therapy given to patients to foster effective and safe medication therapy.  They also assist with preparation of parental nutrition for patients who cannot eat on their own.

Registered Dietician – works to improve the nutritional health of patients and to promote recovery of the critically ill patient.

Social Worker/Discharge Planning – help patients and families deal with various aspects of critical illness, including psychological and financial issues, and discharge plans after hospitalization.

Radiology staff – ancillary staff trained to obtain x-rays, ultrasound tests, CT scans, etc.

Laboratory staff – ancillary staff trained to obtain blood or other body fluid samples for laboratory studies.

Commonly Used Equipment

Monitors - measure body functions such as breathing, heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, etc.  Monitors have alarms that alert the ICU staff when such functions are outside normal limits.

Catheters – tubes that are inserted to infuse or drain fluids. 

Intravenous Catheters – inserted in a patient’s vein to dispense medications, fluids, and nutrition as needed.

Nasograstric (NG) Tube – may be inserted through the nose into the stomach to drain fluids or air or to give mediations or nutrition if patient is unable to do so by mouth.

Urinary Catheter – used to drain urine from the bladder.

Arterial Line Catheter – inserted into a patient’s artery to monitor blood pressure or obtain blood samples as needed.

Mechanical Ventilators (also called respirators) – machines that help patients breathe through a tube that is inserted through the moth or nose into the trachea (windpipe) and is connected to the ventilator. The patient is unable to speak while the tube is in place but will be able to communicate with you by writing or with hand gestures. When communicating with a patient on a ventilator it is best to use yes or no questions.

Guidelines for the loved ones of an ICU Patient

As a family member or a significant person in a patient’s life, you may experience feelings of helplessness or loss of control when a loved one is in the ICU.  This is completely normal. Remember that the patient’s loved ones are as important to the healing process as the ICU team.  We recommend the following:

·         Proper food and sleep will enhance your ability to listen and understand the information given to you about your loved one.

·         Exercise is important to maintaining emotional health.  Whenever possible, get up and walk around.

·         Do not feel you have to be available every moment. Patients are closely monitored. 

·         Gather support from family and friends. If friends or family come to visit, take the opportunity for a little time to refresh yourself.  It is important to structure some time away from the hospital by asking a friend or family member to stay for a few hours. Remember that the time in the ICU may be the beginning of a longer recovery where your strength will be needed as well.  

·         Identify a family spokesperson.  The role of this person will be to contact all the friends and relatives with an update on the patient’s condition.

·         Support at home – make sure you delegate someone to pick up the mail or newspaper. If someone offers to cook for you, let them. Make sure your child care or pet care is in order.

·         Prepare yourself daily for setback.  Some days are good, some are bad. Try not to become discouraged.

·         Purchase a notebook to record the names of the staff caring for your loved one.  Write down phone numbers of people you may need or want to contact so they are easily accessible. Write down any questions that you may have for the doctors or nursing staff that may pop into your head so you won’t forget them.  Start a journal. Many people find it comforting to write down their thoughts as they deal with a stressful situation.

·         Be positive. Keep your faith and your hope strong; making sure that everyone is encouraging and hopeful while with your loved one. Talk to your loved one and tell them what is going on. Read cards that have been sent.

·         Rest assured that our staff and our facility will do everything in our power to help you and your loved ones navigate successfully through this journey.

References: 12/09 Society of Critical Care Medicine, www.surgeryencyclopedia.com, www.jama.com.

Internal Medicine

You may want to call the Lab the day before your test to confirm the hour of your appointment.

585-786-8940  Ext. 4431 or 4432

As you enter the hospital grounds, please park in the visitors parking lot  located directly in front of the main building. Climb the steps and proceed through the main entrance doors, around the information booth, straight back to the Radiology/Lab entrance. Proceed through the door marked LAB. Receptionist is to the right immediately upon entering.

Laboratory Services

You may want to call the Lab the day before your test to confirm the hour of your appointment.

585-786-8940  Ext. 4431 or 4432

As you enter the hospital grounds, please park in the visitors parking lot  located directly in front of the main building. Climb the steps and proceed through the main entrance doors, around the information booth, straight back to the Radiology/Lab entrance. Proceed through the door marked LAB. Receptionist is to the right immediately upon entering.

Medical Records Department

Medical/Surgical Unit

We are pleased you chose our rural community health care facility for your medical needs. Our Medical/Surgical unit is designed for patients with a medical or surgical condition requiring hospitalization.  Our unit also offers telemetry services for patients who required continuous cardiac monitoring.  The nursing staff at Wyoming County Community Health System is committed to making you as comfortable as possible and providing the highest quality patient care.   

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR HOSPITAL STAY

Daily Plan of Care

During your stay in the Medical/Surgical unit, the nursing staff will inform you of your Plan of Care for the day.  The Plan of Care consists of tests and treatments you are scheduled to receive as ordered by your physician.  Keeping you informed about your plan of care is important to us. 

White Boards

Your caregivers for the shift will write their name, and any additional information that you may need on the white board in your room.  The white board will help caregivers communicate with each other and keep track of your individualized needs during your hospital stay.  Patients and families may use a section of the white board to communicate with staff as well. 

Hourly Rounding

One of your caregivers will check on you hourly to ensure your needs are being met.  During this time your caregivers will be:

ü  Checking on your pain and comfort

ü  Helping you move and change positions

ü  Offering you assistance to the bathroom

ü  Responding to any of your personal needs

ü  Making sure that your call light, bedside table, water, telephone, glasses, urinal and/or bedpan, and waste basket are easy for you to access

We will not wake you if you are sleeping unless we are asked to by your physician. 

Pain Management Program

Pain is an uncomfortable feeling that tells you that something may be wrong in your body.  The assessment tool to measure pain is a scale from 0 – 10.  The numbers represent levels of pain.  A “0” pain rating means you have no pain and a “10” rating means you have the worst pain imaginable.  The middle of the scale, around “5”, shows moderate pain. 

It is important that you are comfortable and can function to your full potential.  If you don’t use pain control methods and try to “tough out” the pain, you may cause further health problems.  When you are in pain you are unable to move and function as well.  These changes may affect other areas of your health and cause further discomfort.  The goal of our pain management program is to eliminate or at least minimize your pain. 

Noise Control

PATIENT SAFETY

Fall Reduction Program

Wyoming County Community Health System is committed to reducing the incidence of patient falls.  A fall risk screen is completed on every patient admitted to the hospital.  If you are determined to be at risk for falling, a yellow magnetic circle will be placed on the doorway to your room.  In addition, a yellow sticker will be place on your ID band.  The yellow identifiers alert all caregivers to take extra precautions when providing care and assisting you in ambulation or transferring activities.  

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program

Wyoming County Community Health System is committed to reducing pressure ulcers in patients that spend prolonged periods in bed or in a chair.  A pressure ulcer risk screen is completed on every patient admitted to the hospital.  If you are determined to be at risk for pressure ulcers your caregivers are alerted to take extra precautions with skin care, turning and repositioning, providing optimal nutrition and hydration, and regular skin assessments during your hospital stay. 

Preventing Infection

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 while you are a patient in the hospital:

©      Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material.  This is especially important after using bathroom facilities.

©      Remind health care providers about washing their hands before providing care.

©      If you have an IV, keep the skin around the dressing clean and dry.  Tell your nurse promptly if the dressing works loose or gets wet.

©      If you have diabetes, be sure that you and your doctor discuss the best way to control your blood sugar.  High blood sugar increases the risk of infection following surgery.

©      If possible, ask your friends and relatives not to visit if they themselves feel ill.

Personal Belongings

Please understand that Wyoming County Community Health System cannot take responsibility for any personal property. Valuables may be kept in the hospital safe or sent home; and you are responsible for all personal effects (including eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, and clothing) during your stay in the hospital. 

WCCHS Patient/Family Partnership

HOSPITAL SERVICE DIRECTORY

Telephone Service

Bedside telephones are available for $2.00/day for local calling.  If you wish to make a long distance call you must reverse the charges, bill it to a credit card, calling card, or your home phone.  To make a long distance call by any of these means, you may dial the Hospital operator at “0” to place the call.  Please remember that you may dial any internal four-digit hospital extension at any time.  Your families may reach you by calling the main hospital number (585) 786-2233 and the switchboard operator will be happy to connect your call to you or to the nursing unit. Payment for the telephone services can be done at discharge or the hospital will bill you directly.

Television Service

WCCHS does not include television charges in your daily room rate.  For inpatient stays, a $4.25 daily fee will be charged.  Your nurses can turn the television on for you.  You may pay for your television by using the payment envelope provided to you by the TeleHealth television representative.  The envelope with payment enclosed may be deposited in the drop boxes located on the nursing units and on the first floor at the cashier’s window.  You do not need to call and cancel your television service when discharged. To report problems with the television, please notify your nurse who will contact the maintenance department. 

Meal Service

Mental Health

At the Wyoming County Community Health System Mental Health Unit, our mission is to provide, with sensitivity and respect, optimal mental health care services to all in need in our community. We are a twelve-bed, acute care, locked psychiatric unit serving Wyoming and surrounding counties. The unit operates as a multi-disciplinary treatment team consisting of Psychiatrists, Nurses, Mental Health Specialists, Recreation Therapists, Social Workers, Psychiatric Assignment Officers, Dietitians, and Pharmacists. The staff strives to work with patients in a caring, kind, respectful, effective environment. The Mental Health Unit uses the therapeutic milieu to provide treatment. A variety of therapeutic  groups are designed to assist patients in regaining skills and relations with the community. Acute care in-patients are evaluated through the Emergency Department for admission. Patients are either admitted or referred to out-patient services.

Please call 585-786-8940 Ext. 4692 for assistance.

OB/GYN

Please visit www.wyomingobgyn.com for Dr. Treutlein's OBGYN office in Warsaw..