Welcome to the McGill University Health Centre.
This pamphlet explains some things about your time in hospital and your discharge. You will find more information in the sections below.
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 be told that you cannot be admitted when you arrive. 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
- Some personal items. Although the MUHC provides hospital gowns, you may feel more comfortable in your own clothes. 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.
- 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 (extension 48048).
- 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.
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.
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.
Accommodations
Leaving your room
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.
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 (extension 42190).
A family member can stay overnight and sleep on the couch in your room. If needed, the Social Service Department (extension 31569) can provide you with information regarding reasonably priced hotels in the area.
Patient meals - Glen site, Montreal General Hospital and The 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.
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.
Bon appétit!
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.
À la carte menu (This information is currently being updated. Please check back soon.)
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 (extension 35655) or ask to speak with a Social Worker from the Social Service Department (extension 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.
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, ext. 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 (ext. 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.
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.
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 (ext. 31569) and the Accounting Office (ext. 42732) can provide more details.
If you have any questions concerning your bill, please call the Accounting Office (ext. 42732).
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.
Planning your discharge
At the MUHC, we want you to have a smooth and safe transition when it is time for you to leave the hospital.
We start planning your discharge at the start of your hospital stay. The plan is made with you, your caregivers, healthcare professionals, and, when necessary, community services.
Our goal is to make sure that you can leave the hospital safely with a plan for continued care that meets your needs.
Your healthcare team will make sure you are prepared to leave the hospital by:
- Listening to any questions that you and your family and/or caretakers have.
- Checking that you understand your medication and know what to do if your condition is getting worse instead of better.
- Explaining everything that is new medically for you, including diagnosis, treatment or medical devices.
- If needed, arranging in advance for CLSC and home services, and any medical equipment or material you need.
- Informing you and your family of the discharge plans and time.
- Making sure transport has been arranged and that you have appropriate clothes and access to your home.
- Giving the prescriptions for the medications you will need once you are out of the hospital.
- Arranging follow-up appointments.
Discharge time from hospital rooms is 10 a.m.
If your ride has not arrived by 10 a.m., a member of your care team will tell you where to wait in the hospital. You cannot stay in your hospital room after 10 a.m.
Are you an adult patient discharged from the MUHC within the last 30 days? You may be able to call the MUHC’s Patient Support Line.
The hotline helps ensure continuity of care, safety and support in the first weeks after hospitalization.
Learn more about the Patient Support Line.
Frequently asked questions about discharge
An expected date of discharge is an estimated date for when a patient will no longer need the hospital’s services. Each hospitalized patient is given an estimated date of discharge. The date may change during the patient’s hospital stay.
The EDD is determined based on the patient’s main diagnosis and the average length of time given for this type of diagnosis by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Discharge planning begins early so that resources can be better coordinated, your safety is ensured, and the chance of you being readmitted to hospital is reduced.
Your healthcare team will discuss the various care options available and provide support to you and your family during the transition.
When you were hospitalized at the MUHC, you could not be cared for as an outpatient. If you are getting better, and don’t need the same high level of medical attention, you no longer need to be in the hospital. Your care can continue in another location (your home, another healthcare facility, etc.). Staying in the hospital carries risks that could affect your recovery (for example, possible exposure to certain bacteria and viruses). We only keep patients in hospital longer if that will help in their recovery.
Make sure you and/or your caregiver know:
- if you have any dietary restrictions (what and when you should eat and drink)
- the schedule for any medications you need to take and possible side effects
- how to manage any pain you might still have
- how to care for a wound, dressing or drain
- the details of any follow-up appointments
- if you should avoid any exercises and/or activities
- when and who to call if you have a problem or question
- how to recognize signs and symptoms that your condition is getting worse
- what to do if your condition worsens
Please plan your departure for 10 a.m. on the day of your discharge.
If your transportation has not arrived by 10 a.m., you will not be able to wait in your hospital room. If this happens, you will be directed to another area of the hospital where you can wait for your ride.