Our Health Care Team & Services
While at PSFDH, your care is provided by many capable professionals. Every member of your health care team receives ongoing educational support to remain current in all leading best practices. They are all working together to help you meet your care goals.
PSFDH is proud to be affiliated with a number of accredited post-secondary institutions. Your care team may include students from a variety of health care disciplines.
Cardiopulmonary Department/Respiratory Therapy Services
Services offered include a range of diagnostic testing such as ECG, cardiac stress testing, portable cardiac monitoring, and lung capacity testing, as well as the support of inpatient care in the treatment of acute and chronic cardiac and pulmonary disorders. In-patients receive priority access as required.
Diagnostic Imaging Services
Services offered on an in-patient and out-patient basis include x-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, bone mineral density (BMD), mammography and computed tomography (CT). Inpatients receive priority access as required. Emergency x-ray coverage is provided 24 hours a day. Elective testing is offered Monday to Friday during regular business hours. Procedure information is available for inpatients scheduled for testing – simply ask your nurse or access outpatient testing preparation information that is located on this website.
PSFDH now offers patients and their families access to their medical imaging records online. Once patients enrol for access they can view their entire medical imaging history, share imaging instantly with any physician or even burn their own CD/USB from home. There is a fee at the time of enrollment which includes permanent access to all previous imaging and radiologist reports as well as any new exams patients undergo over the following two weeks. For more information please visit registration.
Dialysis
PSFDH partners with Kingston Health Sciences Centre to provide dialysis services to area residents at the Smiths Falls Site. This service allows patients with renal disease to get their regular weekly treatments closer to home.
Dietitians
Dietitians may see you to help with selecting a specialized diet and counselling you about the types of food to eat. If you have diabetes, or you are at risk to develop diabetes, talk to a member of your health care team to be referred to a diabetes education program. A doctor’s referral is necessary.
Emergency Services & Supports
Both sites of the PSFDH have 24/7 Emergency Department access to highly trained and educated Physicians, Nurses and Support Staff. PSFDH
coordinates your care with our regional partners such as EMS (ambulance), Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Mental Health and Addiction Services, Lanark County Support Services, Brockville General Hospital as our partner in acute mental health crisis, and both Kingston Health Sciences Centre and The Ottawa Hospital. Care is provided in a respectful manner reflecting the values of the Hospital and our Patient and Family Centred Care philosophy.
Environmental/Housekeeping Services
Environmental Services takes great pride in providing you with a safe and clean environment.
Home & Community Care Support Services, South East
The Home Care Coordinator may see you during your hospital stay or contact you by phone to assess your needs in preparation for returning home. Arrangements may be made at that time for such services as nursing, therapy or home support. The Home Care Coordinator can also provide information about other community agencies and support services. For information on community resources in your area, see20 www.psfdh.on.ca
www.southeasthealthline.ca or contact Home Care at 613-283-8012.
Intensive Care Services
These critical patient care areas on both sites provide coordinated care to our most critically ill patients. PSFDH has strong relationships with Kingston Health Sciences Centre and The Ottawa Hospital cardiac and neurology programs. PSFDH has a quiet room for your comfort and the staff all work toward supporting the entire family not just the patient.
Joint Assessment Clinic
The Joint Assessment Clinic is a provincial healthcare initiative that is in place to provide all Ontario patients with timely access to high quality, integrated musculoskeletal care for joint and disability related to osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. At the Joint Assessment Clinic, patients are assessed by an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist who will assess and work with the patient to determine the appropriate care pathway – surgical intervention or non-surgical management.
Laboratory Services
The PSFDH Laboratory uses the latest technology and highly trained and certified staff to provide testing in chemistry, hematology and transfusion medicine for both sites. Staffed by both Medical Laboratory Technologists and Assistants, these are the staff you will see if your physician has ordered blood tests for you. Outpatients requiring laboratory services must present to Life Labs. PSFDH is proud to partner with Kingston Health Science Centre for microbiology and advanced laboratory testing.
Medical Day Care/Chemo Services
The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Medical Day Care Unit provides outpatient day treatments to our patients such as transfusions and other IV therapies. PSFDH is also partnered with the Cancer Center of Eastern Ontario, part of Kingston Health Sciences Center, (“KHSC”) to enable the provision of select chemotherapy and supportive therapies at our site. This partnership is called the Regional Systemic Treatment Program, and has the goal of providing care closer to home. Patients in this program receive initial diagnosis and treatment in Kingston. If the patient meets certain criteria and they wish to continue to receive their treatments at PSFDH this is arranged by KHSC. The staff in the medical day unit maintains regular contact with staff at KHSC throughout the patient’s treatments.
The Medical Day Care/Chemo Unit is open Monday to Friday. Hours of operation are very flexible to met the needs of our patients and families.
In addition, the hospital has worked with the Regional Systemic Treatment Program in Kingston to provide chemotherapy treatment services and will incorporate the current practice guidelines and standards to all for patients to receive care closer to home.
Nurses
Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses are an integral part of your health care team. Nurses, as your 24/7 care providers while in hospital, work with you to navigate and plan your health care goals.
Obstetrics Services
Located at the Smiths Falls Site, there are four birthing rooms which are used for all stages of labour and delivery. Each birthing room is designed to reflect a home environment and provides a jetted tub, private bathroom and kitchenette. Family and friends are welcome to visit as each patient room is spacious and comfortable. PSFDH supports 24 hour rooming in for our new parents. This allows the much needed exposure to their new baby prior to being discharged from hospital. PSFDH is also building midwifery services into the hospital obstetrical program. Currently, PSFDH midwives will provide newborn care and C-section assists.
Baby Friendly Initiative
The PSFDH is committed to achieving BFI certification. The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) Strategy for Ontario is one area of investment by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to enhance breastfeeding in Ontario. The BFI Strategy will provide hospitals and community health organizations with training, tools, guidance, and educational resources to help achieve World Health Organization’s BFI designation and adopt best practices that meet BFI requirements.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Occupational Therapists help people learn and manage everyday activities that are important to them, including caring for themselves and performing activities of daily living. They also assess and treat thinking skills and visual perception. The therapist may also make splints and prescribe equipment and assistive devices. Occupational Therapists are supported by Occupational Therapy Assistants who will help deliver your care.
Palliative Care Services
Palliative Care Services offers support for inpatients that require pain and symptom management, consultation with healthcare workers and patients, volunteer support in hospital, as well as physical, social, psychological, spiritual and bereavement support during end of life care.
Patient Flow Coordinators and Discharge Planners
In support of the Home First Philosophy, planning for your discharge begins the day you are admitted to PSFDH. Your plans may involve arranging services at home, in a temporary convalescent placement or other supportive environments. The Patient Flow Coordinators are available to assist you in assessing your future care needs and how these needs may be met. They can be contacted at 613-267-1500 ext. 4269 (GWM/Perth Site) or 613-283-2330 ext. 1196 (SF Site.)
Pharmacists/Pharmacy Services
The PSFDH pharmacy team encourages all patients to bring their medications with them when they come to the hospital. Having your medications on hand provides us with the opportunity to ensure PSFDH has an accurate history of the medications you take at home. This includes all prescription, over the counter medications and supplements you are currently taking. Once at the hospital one of our nurses will review your medications with you. This is part of our medication reconciliation process. Please also make sure you let us know if you have any allergies or have had any adverse reactions to medications you have taken in the past. PSFDH encourages all patients to have an annual medication review with your community pharmacist to ensure you are taking your medications correctly and ask the pharmacist any medication related questions you may have.
Physicians
Your physician will coordinate your tests, medical care and treatment. They will work closely with the rest of the team to make sure your needs are met and that your transition between services, facilities and home is smooth. Should you presently not have a permanent family physician, PSFDH supports a “hospitalist” model of care that will ensure your health care needs are met while in hospital.
Physiotherapy Services
If your primary care provider feels it is indicated, therapists may be requested to assess and treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary problems. They may prescribe exercises to help you with your functional mobility, strength, balance, pain or breathing. You may also be given an exercise program to wok on in your room between therapy sessions. While in hospital, please ensure that you have proper fitting, rubber soled footwear.
The Advance Practice Physiotherapist is specially trained by the orthopedic surgeon(s) to conduct a comprehensive physical assessment to confirm the need for surgical consult. The goal is to ensure that each patient is assessed promptly after referral, managed proactively and triaged to surgeon based on urgency and appointment available.
Rehabilitation Services
PSFDH offers specialized rehabilitation therapy services. The program offers support to patients and their families for diagnoses such as stroke and orthopedic conditions. The team includes nursing, physiotherapy, clinical nutrition, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and day hospital. Consultant rehabilitation specialist services enhance these programs.
Speech Language Pathology Services (SLPs)
SLPs may be asked to assess and treat communication and/or swallowing concerns in order to restore and/or maintain functional ability. In collaboration with the Dietitian, the Speech Language Pathologist will make recommendations regarding the most appropriate diet to meet your swallowing abilities.
Senior Friendly Care
PSFDH is committed to align with best practices related to the care of frail and vulnerable adults in hospitals. This includes early and regular promotion of mobilization through the “Move to Improve” program; Falls Prevention strategies; and screening for malnutrition as well as delirium.
Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs)
Speech Language Pathologists may be asked to assess and treat communication and/or swallowing concerns in order to restore and/or maintain functional ability. In collaboration with the Dietitian, the Speech Language Pathologist will make recommendations regarding the most appropriate diet to meet your swallowing abilities.
Student Learners/Externs
PSFDH welcomes many student learners and externs every year. As a result, you may experience the presence of healthcare professionals in training as part of your care team.
Support Services
Your health care team would not be complete without the ongoing support of ancillary services and departments such as Administration, Communications, Finance, Food Services, Health Records, Hospital Information Systems, Housekeeping, Human Resources, Laundry, Maintenance, Patient Registration, Materiels Management and Motor Transport.
Surgical Services
PSFDH offers a comprehensive range of surgical services shared between two sites. PSFDH offers advanced specialized care in the following specialties:
- General surgery
- Gynecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedic surgery
- Urology
Vascular Protection Clinic and Supports
PSFDH supports and provides an out-patient Vascular Protection Clinic through a partnership with the Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario. Through a physician referral, this clinic provides streamlined access to assessment, diagnostic tests, medical, surgical management and counseling in lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of stroke.