Things you need to know about hospitals

When we suddenly fall ill, have an accident, or need medicine for a common ailment, we rush to a hospital. It is like the heart of our health system. But a hospital is a big, complex place. So it is very important for all of us to be aware of what kind of place a hospital is, how it works, and how we should behave there.

What is a hospital, simply put?

Simply put, a hospital is a place that provides medical care to sick and injured people. It offers several main services.

• Outpatient Department (OPD): This is where you go if you need to see a doctor for a common illness and get medicine. This is the OPD we all know.
• Inpatient: If you have a serious illness and need treatment under medical supervision 24 hours a day, you will be placed in a hospital ward here.
• Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU): The ETU, or Emergency Treatment Unit, is where we go whenever we need immediate treatment, such as an accident or a heart attack.

In addition to these services, there are many other things that happen in a hospital. There are departments like Pathology, where blood tests and urine tests are done to find out exactly what your illness is, X-ray, and imaging departments . There are also departments that perform surgeries and treat specific diseases. Separate departments also take care of the nutrition of patients who are in the hospital, and provide physiotherapy services to help them recover.

Are there different types in hospitals too?

Yes, indeed there are. Let's look at some of the main types of hospitals we find in Sri Lanka. It will be helpful for you to be aware of these.

How do you get around a large hospital without getting lost?

It's common to get lost when you first visit a large hospital, especially a teaching hospital. It's like getting lost in an unfamiliar city. But don't worry, there are ways to find your way.

• Maps and signs: There is often a map at the entrance to the hospital. It shows the different buildings, wards, and departments, separated by color.
• Colored lines on the floor: Some hospitals have colored lines on the floor. For example, if you want to go to the lab, you might be instructed to follow the yellow line. This is a very easy way.
• Wall signs: Almost everywhere, there are arrows on the walls indicating the directions to the relevant sections. Take a close look at these signs.
• Ask the staff: The best and easiest thing to do is to ask a nurse, a maid, or a security guard. They will help you.

Keep these things in mind when visiting someone in the hospital.

Visiting a friend or family member in the hospital is a great thing. It brings great comfort and joy to the patient. But when doing so, we must respect the patient's well-being and the hospital's rules and regulations.

Check this out before you go.

• Visiting Hours: Every hospital has special hours when patients can be seen. Find out what those hours are before you go.
• Restrictions: Sometimes, patients may not be allowed to see them. There are restrictions on visiting patients, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and near operating rooms. Also, depending on the patient's condition, the number of people who can see the doctor may be limited.
• If you are sick: If you have a contagious illness like a cold or cough, please do not go to the hospital. You can spread the illness to the patient. This can be dangerous because patients in a hospital have low immunity.
• Things to bring: Books and magazines are fine. However, bringing flowers is often discouraged . Also, when bringing food and drinks, check to see if the doctor has approved the patient to eat them.

Be sure to do these things to prevent infections

• Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before entering and leaving the hospital.
• Never sit on the patient's bed. Use a chair to sit on.
• Do not use the toilet that the patient is using. Find a public toilet.
• Do not touch the patient's body, the tissues they use, or the medical equipment in the room.

What if you have to stay in the hospital?

Your doctor may recommend that you stay in the hospital for a serious illness or condition that cannot be treated at home. This can be a scary experience, but remember that it is done to improve your health.

During admission

Unless you are coming in an emergency, you will first need to complete some paperwork.

• Basic information like your name and address.
• Someone's phone number to notify in case of emergency.
• Consent forms for treatments and surgeries.
• If at a private hospital, insurance information and agreement for payment.

Be sure to bring your old prescriptions and medical records . But don't bring your current medications . The hospital pharmacy will provide you with the medication you need.

During the stop

• Identity card: Never remove your identity bracelet when entering. It ensures that the right person is receiving the right treatment.
• Move around: If your doctor allows it, walk around a bit. Staying in one place can lead to things like bedsores and blood clots.
• Ask questions: Write down the questions you want to ask the doctor when he comes to see you. This way, you won't forget anything. If possible, have a family member with you during the appointment.
• Discharge: Once your condition has improved, your doctor will send you home. At that time, you will be given a discharge summary with instructions on what to do and what medications to take. Follow the instructions carefully.

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