Brief calls for changes at Wellesley

Seven News, May 21, 1977

The brief on Wellesley hospital makes a number of recommendations, including the following:

That the family doctor or community health centre be telephoned at the time of admission of any patient, be kept informed, and be notified by phone of the patient’s discharge.
That staff should routinely ask people if they require a wheelchair, and that a sign at the entrance inform the public that wheelchairs are available.
That staff should consider it part of their responsibility to keep the patient and anyone waiting informed of what is happening, how long a wait to expect, etc.
That one person should be permitted to accompany the patient into emergency, except when the doctor is actually examining the patient.
That medical staff explain to the patient and a waiting relative or friend the nature of the problem that has been diagnosed.
That information sheets or pamphlets should be available to patients.
That a less threatening, less barren atmosphere be established in the waiting room for the initial interview and for those waiting.
That a ward alderman (Ward 6 or 7) and a representative of the community should be elected to the Board of Wellesley Hospital.
That the Hospital Board recognize and work with a community advisory committee, which would monitor hospital policy, channel information and suggestions to board and staff, review complaints and make recommendations, and act when necessary as patient advocate.
That emergency room procedures be re-evaluated in consultation with the community advisory committee.

Related topics:
Hospitals