Preparing for your Hospital Stay

Hospitalization can be a difficult time, and the staff of the Alexandra Hospital is eager to make your stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. Whether you will be with us for the day, overnight, for surgery or treatment, we want you to feel at home therefore we encourage you to ask questions of your physician and our staff to help you prepare for your stay.

Our aim is to satisfy you. We are committed to helping you to recover quickly so your life can return to normalcy.

What to Bring

• Sleepwear (pajamas, night gown etc)
• Towels
• Wash Cloths
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Lotion and comb
• Roll on (under arm deodorant)
• Sanitary Napkins (females)
• Warm socks or slippers
• No phones are allowed for children
• A small battery operated radio (optional)
• All medication/or drugs that you are currently taking.

For Baby

• Cloth diapers or pampers
• Baby wipes
• Baby body wash or mild soap
• Baby shampoo
• Baby Powder
• Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly
• Sleepers (4)
• Vests (5) Shirts/Top (4)
• Socks (5 pairs)
• Baby Hats (5)
• Towels (4), Rags
• Blankets (4)
• Baby Comb

Admissions Procedure 

Admission of patients to Alexandra Hospital shall be done in three methods: 

• Emergencies brought by the Emergency Medicals Services, relatives or any other persons or agency.

• Patients referred by medical or dental practitioners.

• Walk-in

All admissions to the Alexandra Hospital are done via the Out-patients Department. Only maternity cases that are in active labor can go directly to our Maternity Ward.

It is the patient’s responsibility to provide the hospital with accurate information. Therefore ALL patients seeking medical attention at the Alexandra Hospital are required to give the following information on admission:

• Proof of Identification in the form of a valid passport, national ID card, Social Security Card or driver’s license.

• Date of Birth

• Telephone number

• Proof of Address in the form of a telephone bill or electricity bill

• Name, address and telephone number of employer

• Occupation

• Emergency contact information, or the names and telephone numbers of those individuals the hospital should contact if the person being admitted needs emergency care or their condition worsens significantly.

• Insurance card

• Reason for hospitalization

• Allergies to medications or  foods

All Medical and Surgical patients between the ages of 18 and 62 who are admitted to the hospital are kindly asked to make a down-payment of EC$200.00 which will be credited to your final bill.

All Private Maternity patients who are admitted to the hospital regardless of their age are also asked to make a $60.00 down-payment which will also be credited to your final bill.

During your Stay 

• All valuables which include money and jewelry shall be checked and given to the nurse for safe keeping or left at home.

• Suitable clothing must be worn by all patients these include night gowns, pajamas, T-shirts, boxer shorts and dusters.

• If the patient does not have the appropriate attire, then a patient’s gown will be provided.

• Patients are not allowed to lie in bed in street clothing.

• No cooked meals or alcoholic beverages are to be delivered for patients who are in our care.

• Meals will be supplied by our kitchen under the guidance of our dietician. If you have any personal dietary needs please inform the nurse on admission.

• Fruits Juices, fruits and crackers are allowed. Any other addition will be allowed at the discretion of the Nurse in-charge.

• Patients are not allowed to leave the wards without permission from the doctor or nursing staff.

• Bed linen will be provided by the hospital.

• Our Housekeeping Service Staff will clean the wards/rooms on a daily basis. If there is anything in the ward that needs immediate attention please let us know.
• Patients can make arrangements to have their laundry done by their family member or friends.

• Absolutely No Smoking is allowed.

• No weapons or illegal drugs are allowed in the facility at any time.

• The use of cellular phones is not allowed during the time that the doctors are making rounds.
• All radios should also be turned off during doctor rounds as well.

• Patients are allowed to have a small battery operated radio during their stay.

• All light and television will be turned off at 10.00pm to ensure that our patients get adequate rest.

• Your priest/minister is allowed special visiting rights in accordance with the rules/regulations of the hospital.

Discharge Procedures 

Your physician will determine when you may be discharged. To complete the discharge process, please observe the following procedures: 

• While discharge times vary from patient to patient please be aware that it may occur as early as 10 a.m. We advise patients to make transportation arrangements accordingly. In addition, due to the nature of the process, your discharge time may be significantly later in the day and we appreciate you and your family’s flexibility regarding scheduling transportation.

• Before you leave, be sure you understand ALL instructions regarding medications or follow-up visits.

• Don’t forget to check all drawers, cabinets and night stands before leaving to make sure you have all your belongings.

• Do not forget to claim any valuables that were kept in the hospital safe for safe keeping.

• The hospital will not be responsible for personal property left behind.

• On the day you are discharged, you will be given a bill indicating the charges incurred while in our care. You or a member of your family should go to the Cashiers located in the Out-Patients Department to make payment. This office is open 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• The cashier will issue a receipt indicating that financial obligations have been made.

• If you are not in a position to pay at the time of discharge, then you or a member of you family can meet with an officer of the accounting unit who will guide you as to your payment options.

Payment 

Payment for hospital fees are your responsibility. You may have insurance(s) which will cover added costs. Therefore you are encouraged to review your insurance coverage prior to admission. 

• Payment for services rendered is accepted by cash, cheques, credit and debit cards.

• The balance of monies due for services rendered should be paid at the time when you are being discharged.

• However, if it is not possible for you to make payment when discharged, then payment should be made within 30 days of the service.

• If you still cannot settle the bill within the stipulated time, 30 days a payment agreement plan can be entered into where you will be required to pay not less than fifty dollars $50.00 per month for balances that are less than $500.00 and ten percent (10%) per month for balances in excess of $501.00.

• All payment agreements should be paid by the 28^th day of each month. Until the balances is paid in full.

• If a patient is on a payment plan and he or she anticipates missing a payment, the patient must send a written notice to the Credit and Collection Department. Payment should be made up by the following month.