If you will be admitted to the hospital
The Admitting Office will try to let you know in advance of the day and time you will be admitted. In some cases, your admission date could be delayed on short notice.
Although the hospital makes every effort to avoid such situations, you might arrive to be told that you cannot be admitted. In such cases you will be asked to return home or to make arrangements for accommodation in Montreal until a bed is available.
What to bring
Although the MUHC provides hospital gowns, you may feel more comfortable in your personal effects. You can bring your own pyjamas/clothing, housecoat, and slippers/ shoes. You should bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues, shaving items, soap, body lotion, sanitary supplies and other personal care articles. Since storage is limited, you are asked to bring only a small suitcase.
Your hospital card. If you are visiting the hospital for the first time or need to renew your hospital card, you must go to the Admitting Office to obtain an MUHC hospital card prior to your appointment.
You should bring your Health Insurance Card from the RAMQ. If you do not have a valid Health Insurance Card, pre-arranged payment must be made with the Finance Department (local 48048).
Please bring all medications that you are taking. This will ensure that the admitting physician or nurse can verify the exact medication and dose that you have been prescribed.
Valuables
Please do not bring any items of value. If you do, you will be asked to turn them over for safekeeping or to sign a form that releases the hospital of any responsibility. If a theft or a loss occurs, you should immediately make a report to your nurse. When not in use, dentures, eyeglasses and hearing aids should be placed inside your bedside table in containers provided by the hospital. The MUHC is not responsible for patients’ property or for valuables and cash not left in safekeeping.
Electrical appliances and computers
For safety reasons, you are asked not to bring electrically-powered appliances such as electric blankets, heating pads, hair dryers and curlers. Battery-operated appliances are permitted. You are responsible for the safekeeping of your appliances.
Leaving your room
Accommodations
The Glen site
There are single-patient rooms with a private ensuite shower and toilet. Single rooms allow you to talk to your doctor and nurses in private and they also help to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Each room comes with a built-in closet, with lock, to store personal belongings, and a large television screen, which will be used for entertainment as well as by healthcare workers to share test results, x-ray images, and additional information. Your room also has a couch, which a family member can use to spend the night.
Finally, each room has a large window with plenty of natural light.
The Montreal General and the Montreal Neurological Hospital
There are three types of accommodations:
- Multiple-bed units
- Two beds per room
- Private rooms (one bed per room)
If the accommodation you prefer is not immediately available, we will try to provide it as soon as possible.
You should let the Admissions Office know upon your arrival what type of accommodation you prefer. If you request a two-bed or one-bed room, you will be asked to make an advance deposit equal to seven days payment. Proof of insurance coverage is not accepted as a form of payment for one-bed and two-bed rooms. If you wish to change your accommodation after your admission, please ask your nurse to forward the request to the Admissions Office, or contact the Admitting Office directly (local 42190).
Overnight accommodation for families
If you wish to temporarily leave your room, please inform your nurse or somebody at the care station. It is important for the nursing staff to know where you are at all times.
Patient meals – Glen site, Montreal General Hospital and Neuro
The meal you will receive on admission has been designed to offer a variety of nutritious and balanced food choices adapted to your needs and preferences.
The links below will direct you to the regular lunch and supper menu offered.
Depending on your medical condition and dietary needs, you may require different meal options from those indicated. A dietetic technician will ensure to make those adjustments.
- Lunch and supper menu Glen Site (adult) and Montreal General Hospital
- Lunch and supper menu Neuro
- Lunch and supper menu Lachine
À la carte menu available at the Glen site (adult) and Montreal General Hospital
The à la carte menu offers a variety of tasty dishes including hot and cold meals, sandwiches, beverages and desserts.A dietetic technician will assist with your selections and ensure your food choices respect your prescribed meal plan and preferences.
To order, call 514-934-1934 extension 46368, during the following hours:
- Breakfast: by 6:30 p.m., the day before
- Lunch: before 10:30 a.m.
- Supper: before 3:30 p.m.
Bon appétit!
Consent
At the time of your admission, you will be asked to sign a general consent form for treatment and tests. For patients under the age of 14 years, the person with parental authority will be asked to sign on the patient’s behalf. For adult patients who have been deemed incapable by a physician, substituted consent may be acquired from the patient’s legal representative.
For further information, you may contact the Ombudsman/Complaints Commissioner (local 35655) or ask to speak with a Social Worker from the Social Service Department (local 31569). You may also attempt to seek advice from the Office of the Public Curator (514 873-4074).
At the same time, you will be asked whether or not you agree to release personal and confidential medical information to your insurance company (if any) and/or to referring doctors, hospitals or clinics.
A family member can stay overnight and sleep on the couch in your room. If needed, the Social Service Department (ext. 31569) can provide you with information regarding reasonably priced hotels in the area.
Hospitalization charges
Hospitalization and outpatient services charges: for who?
- For Quebec residents with a valid Health insurance Card from the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), most hospitalization charges and outpatient services are fully covered. Visit the RAMQ site for more information.
- If you are a patient from any other country or a Canadian resident without a valid Medicare card, you are responsible for all hospitalization expenses and professional fees for services received at the hospital. You must make an advance deposit equal to seven days payment upon admission to cover the hospitalization charges. You will also receive a bill for professional services. To make your advance deposit, please contact a finance representative at the Patients’ Cashier’s Office (room B S1.3885.1, local 34627). A deposit may be made by certified cheque, credit card or debit card. If you pay by credit card you can also do so by telephone (local 34627). It is sometimes possible to obtain a temporary Medicare card if one has been lost or is expired for less than six months.
- In accordance with an agreement between all Canadian provinces, patients from other provinces with a valid Medicare card from their home province are also fully covered for most services.
Non-insured services
The completion of forms for insurance and other purposes is not covered by RAMQ and doctors may charge a fee for this service.
Certain medical treatments and services are not covered by RAMQ. In these cases, you will be informed. It is up to you to contact your insurance company regarding possible reimbursement of associated costs. The hospital is not responsible for decisions made by insurance companies about reimbursement of services not covered by RAMQ.
Transitional-care charges
There is a daily hospitalization charge for patients who no longer require active medical treatment and who are awaiting transfer to a long-term-care facility. These charges have been determined by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services. Your doctor will advise you of this change of status and the Social Service Department (local 31569) and the Accounting Office (local 42732) can provide more details.
Questions about hospital bills
If you have any questions concerning your bill, please call the Accounting Office (local 42732)
Transport by ambulance
Ambulance charges are your responsibility unless you meet certain criteria for free ambulance transportation. Such criteria include transportation to a hospital following a traffic accident, or when a doctor has signed a form attesting to the medical need for transport for a person over age 65, or for certain people receiving Income Security benefits. Of note, private insurance will sometimes reimburse ambulance fees.