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75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 • 631.473.1320

Your Stay

PASTORAL CARE
PATIENT SAFETY
HELPFUL HINTS
CHECKLIST
DISCHARGE INFORMATION
PATIENT INFORMATION
SUGGESTIONS
ETHICS COMMITTEE
NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
TELEPHONE CALLS

Welcome to Mather Hospital :

  • The Mather Hospital staff wants to make this hospital stay as pleasant as possible. We will be as flexible as we can to accommodate special visiting requests. If we can provide special assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Unit Nursing Coordinator or the Evening/Night Administrator.
  • To prevent overcrowding and to allow all patients privacy and time to rest, visitors to any patient are limited to two (2) at a time, and all visits to Critical Care patients are limited to 15 minutes. Please stop at front desk for a pass.
  • For their own safety and welfare, children under the age of 12 are NOT PERMITTED to visit patients in the Medical Surgical unit or the Critical Care Unit. However, special arrangements for child visitation to these units may be made by speaking with the Unit Nursing Coordinator or the Evening/Night Administrator (Nursing Supervisor).
  • Visitors must step out of a patient’s room, if asked by hospital staff, so that care may be provided to the patient or the other patient in the room.
  • If you are asked to temporarily leave a patient’s room, please use the designated waiting areas or visit the Hospital Coffee Shop, which is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (closed holidays).
  • No food from outside sources is allowed due to potential for food-drug interaction and food bourne illness.
  • Visitors are asked to refrain from eating in patient rooms so as not to disturb other patients.
  • Visitors must leave when visiting hours are over. The Nursing Staff and our Security Staff will request that visitors leave after the close of visiting. However, parents of pediatric patients are permitted and encouraged to remain with their child, if they so desire. Hospice patients may have 24-hour visitors. If you are sick (or not feeling well) please postpone your visit until you are feeling better.
  • There is NO SMOKING permitted anywhere inside the Hospital or in front of any Hospital entrance within 50 ft. of the entrance.
  • The use of cellular phones is PROHIBITED inside the Hospital.
  • Latex balloons are NOT allowed inside the Hospital.
  • In order for the Nursing Staff to provide the best care and be available to meet patient needs, we request that family members and friends limit the number of telephone calls to the nursing unit.

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Pastoral Care Welcomes You to John T. Mather Memorial Hospital

Admission to the hospital may have interrupted your life and placed you in an environment which is different from the one to which you are accustomed. Being separated from your family, friends and familiar surroundings can be a time of anxiety as you face the uncertainties of illness.

Chaplains and Interfaith Pastoral Visitors are available to visit you and to offer you and your family spiritual and emotional support with attention to your own convictions and beliefs. For Catholics, Holy Communion is available. The Anointing of the Sick is celebrated with Catholic patients who are aged or who request it.

The pastoral care service is also available to help you in contacting your own Pastor or Rabbi or other spiritual leader. The Pastoral Care office can be reached by dialing “4007” directly, by dialing “O” and asking for Pastoral Care, or through your nurse.

Our interfaith chapel is open to patients and families as a quiet refuge for prayer and meditation and spiritual refreshment. It is located on the main floor in the East Wing across from visitors’ elevators. If you are a patient and would like to visit the chapel, contact your nurse to make arrangements.

The Pastoral Care Office is located on the 2nd floor of Medical Arts Building.

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For Your Safety:

  1. While you are here, to ensure correct patient identification, the Health Care Team will frequently ask your name and your date of birth. Even if your staff knows you well, they will use your identification bracelet to verify the information you tell them.
  2. Smoking is not permitted in the hospital, or within 50 ft. of entrances.
  3. Use the call bell to notify your nurse if you need assistance for ANY reason.
  4. Always wear non-slip footwear when out of bed.
  5. Do not get up from the bed or chair alone if you feel weak, dizzy or lightheaded. Call your nurse.
  6. If you were escorted to the bathroom, use the bathroom call bell to get assistance to get back to bed. Be sure to WAIT for the nurse to answer your call.
  7. Waking up in an unfamiliar environment can be confusing. If you can, use the bathroom before going to bed to avoid getting up in the middle of the night. If you need to go to the bathroom during the night, call for help.
  8. You can easily raise or lower the head of your hospital bed; your nurse will show you how to operate the controls. The top siderails of your bed should remain in an upright position - they serve as a support and ensure your safety.
  9. Call your nurse for assistance if the side rails on your bed are up. Do not attempt to put them down, climb over them or use the space between the rails to climb out of bed.
  10. Notify the nursing staff if a spill occurs on the floor.
  11. Ask to have objects such as the bedside table, telephone, and call bell within your easy reach.
  12. Because the hospital cannot accept responsibility for the loss of valuables, never place personal items, especially eyeglasses and dentures, on food trays. Money, jewelry and other valuables should be sent home. You may want to keep a small amount of change available for newspapers, etc.
  13. All patients are assessed upon admission to determine if they are a “fall” risk. If it is determined that they are, they are then placed on the S.A.F.E. (Staff Against Falls Everywhere) program to help ensure their safety.
  14. Do not ask your visitors to assist you in getting in or out of the bed or chair without first checking with your nurse.
  15. Ask permission before leaving the Nursing Unit.
  16. Remember to use your crutches, cane, or walker, if needed. If you can’t reach them, call your nurse for assistance.
  17. Share with the nurse any information that might aid us in caring for our patients or that might contribute to making their stay as SAFE and pleasant as possible.
  18. Disaster and Fire Drills are held frequently for your safety. Please wait for instructions from your nurse if an emergency such as a fire, occurs.
  19. During the course of your hospitalization various types of equipment may be used to assist in the delivery of your care, such as machines to regulate IV fluid or monitoring devises to measure your heart rate and blood pressure. It is important for accuracy, that you do not attempt to adjust or interfere with these machines. Your nurse will explain this equipment to you and answer any questions you may have.
  20. All hospital equipment is mechanically evaluated before it is used in patient care areas. Please notify your nurse or call Engineering at Ext. 4165 if you notice broken or faulty equipment.
  21. Due to the potential for illness, food/drug interaction and/or interference with prescribed diet, no food may be brought to patients from outside sources. Contact Food & Nutritional Services at Ext.4177 if you have any questions about your meals and/or snacks.
  22. For patients with limited English proficiency or who are hearing impaired, a language interpreter will be provided at no cost. Notify your nurse if you require assistance, or contact the Nursing Supervisor or Evening Night Administrator at Ext. 5212.
  23. All reports of abuse are taken seriously. Abuse thrives in secrecy. Let your nurse, physician or social worker (ext. 4246) know if you are living in an abusive situation.
  24. If possible, cultural or religious restrictions, requirements and/or expectations will be met while hospitalized. Tell the nursing staff on admission about any religious/cultural mandates or requisites.
  25. A clean and clutter-free environment is our housekeeping goal. Any omissions or oversights may be reported to the Nursing Staff and/or Environmental Services at Ext. 4190.
    26. REMEMBER: It’s OK to ask for help.

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Our Patient's Safety Comes First

Our Patient and Staff Safety committee has designed and implemented mechanisms to meet the following goals:

  • Provide a safe environment.
  • Comply with accepted safety standards.
  • Reduce incidents.
  • Develop awareness for safety.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement.
    This is what we do to assure your safety while you are under our care:
  • Positive Patient Identification: We will ask you to tell us your name and date of birth and we will read your identification bracelet.
  • We will not accept physician’s orders that include unacceptable abbreviations or are illegible.
  • All cleaning chemicals that are used are hospital approved, properly labeled, stored and dispensed.
  • All equipment is returned to the Sterile Processing and Distribution Department for proper cleaning. After cleaning all equipment is visually inspected for any defects.
  • When orders are received over the phone a “read back” occurs to ensure accuracy.
  • The Bio-Medical Engineering Department tests all equipment prior to use and conducts preventive maintenance procedures on a scheduled basis.
  • To ensure that the “correct site” surgery is performed, the physician will initial the site. Prior to the surgery there is a timeout to confirm positive patient ID and to assure that the correct surgery is to be performed.
  • While under anesthesia, the Registered Nurse functions as the patient’s advocate confirming that all safety precautions are being taken.
  • Nutritional Services will keep you informed about specific food-drug interactions.
  • To prevent food bourne illnesses, we have implemented several monitoring processes to ensure proper food storage, preparation and delivery of meals.
  • The Department of Imaging Services uses the latest technology with the lowest radiation exposure to the patients.
  • We follow the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations; standard precautions with transmission based guidelines to control infection.

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Helpful Hints

In order to truly ensure your safety, it’s important to work together. Here are some Helpful Hints to help you take an informed, active role in your healthcare:

  • Tell your doctor what medications you take.
    •
    • Do not forget over-the-counter medicines, and nutritional supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies or reactions you have had to medicines.
    • This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.
  • Ask about your medications.
    • What is the medicine for?
    • How am I supposed to take it, and for how long?
    • What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
    • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements?
    • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
  • Ask about a discharge plan.
    •
    • What medications do I take and how?
    • What activities can I do? Are there any activity restrictions?
    • When should I see the doctor again?
  • Know exactly what will be done.
    • Wrong-site surgery is 100% preventable. You, your doctor and your surgeon must be clear on what will be done.
  • If you are in the hospital, ask:
    • Who is your nurse?
    • Who are the members of your healthcare team?
    • Who is the doctor who will coordinate your care?
  • While here:
    • Ask all your doctors for a business card.
    • Ask your doctor what test or treatment is going to be ordered and why.
    • Ask about appointing a Health Care Proxy.
    • Ask a family member or friend to be there with you to speak up for you if you can’t.
    • Ask what is done to prevent the spread of infection?
  • If you have any test:
    •
    • Ask who ordered the test.
    • Ask what the test is for.
    • Ask if there are any after effects.
    • Never assume that “no news is good news”.
    • Learn about your condition and treatments:
    • Ask your doctor, nurse or other reliable sources.

There are things you can do to help prevent infections from developing while you are in the hospital:

  • Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material, before eating and after toileting.
  • Since you are part of your healthcare team, do not be afraid to remind hospital staff about hand washing.
  • If you have traveled outside the country during the past few months, please let your health care team know.

This may help with your medical diagnosis and treatment:

  • Notify your health care team if within the last few weeks you have been bitten or stung by any insect or exposed to any wild animals.
  • Ask your doctor about preventative vaccines for adults to see if you are a candidate.
  • If you have an intravenous catheter, keep the skin around the dressing clean and dry. Tell the nurse promptly if your intravenous or wound dressing loosens or gets wet.
  • If you have any type of catheter or drainage tube, let your nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or dislodged.
  • If you have diabetes, be sure that you and your doctor discuss the best way to control your blood sugars before, during and after your hospital stay.

Uncontrolled blood sugars may increase infection risk.

  • If you are overweight, losing weight will reduce the risk of infection following surgery.
  • Stopping smoking may reduce your chance of developing a lung infection while in the hospital and may also improve your healing abilities following surgery.
  • Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions regarding breathing treatments and getting out of bed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice, or sufficient pain medications!

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Ask - The Doctor Checklist

Before you visit your doctor:
Take a list of any medication you are currently taking. If you have seen a doctor for a similar problem, take the record from that visit with you.

During the visit:

  • State your main problem first.
  • Describe your symptom(s).
  • Describe your past experiences with the same problem.
  • Tell your doctor about your medical history.

After the visit:

    Write down:
  • What’s wrong?
  • What might happen next?
  • What you can do at home?
    • For drugs, tests, and treatments, you may want to ask:
  • What is the name of the drug, test or treatment?
  • Why is it needed?
  • What are the risks?
  • Are there alternatives?
  • What if I do nothing?
  • (For drugs) How do I take this?
  • (For tests) How do I prepare?

At the end of the visit, ask:

  • Am I to return for another visit?
  • Am I to phone in for test results?
  • What danger signs should I look for?
  • What do I need to know?

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Discharge Information

This information will assist you in preparing for your discharge from the hospital.

    The day before your planned discharge:
  1. Notify your family of your anticipated discharge. Help your family arrange for transportation home. Let them know that the best discharge time is 11 AM.
  2. Send home flowers, gifts, cards, extra clothing and other items with family or friends. This will make it easier for you on your discharge day.
  3. Have someone bring you comfortable clothing to wear home. This will allow you to dress before your family arrives.
    The morning of discharge:
  1. You will receive discharge instructions and any necessary prescriptions that you will need at home. Before you leave, be sure you know how to continue your care at home and when you need to see your doctor(s) for follow-up care.
  2. Your physician and nurse will review all instructions with you and provide you with a written copy.
  3. The person who will bring you home should park in the visitors’ parking area, not in front of the hospital entrance. When you arrive in the lobby, the car can be brought to the main entrance.
  4. Any valuables left in the safe may be obtained from the cashiers.
    They are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. You will need the receipt from your chart to retrieve the valuables.
  5. The discharge time is 11 AM. Please make every effort to arrange for your timely discharge. This allows time for your room to be prepared for another patient.
    Thank you for your cooperation.

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Patient, Family & Visitor Information

To Our Patients and Families:

The Mather Patient Hot Line, at extension 2740, is now available to our patients and their family members to express compliments, comments, or concerns. The Patient Hot Line is operative during normal business hours, 8:30AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. At other times, voice mail will be accessible. Each voice mail message will be responded to at the earliest possible time during the next business day.

The following are guidelines on hospital visiting and telephone calls to the nursing units. Our goal is to promote an environment in which our patients can receive optimal care. We also recognize the importance of family members and/or friends and their role in your recovery and return to optimal health. These guidelines are necessary in providing the best care possible, while allowing time for patients to receive necessary diagnostic testing and rest.

Report a Complaint
Mail: Office of Quality Monitoring
Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(800) 994-6610

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Patient, Family & Visitor Suggestions

John T. Mather Memorial Hospital’s commitment to excellence in-patient care requires some cooperation and responsibility on the part of the patient and the patient’s family. The Hospital’s Administration and staff expect reasonable and responsible behavior on the part of patients and their families.

These responsibilities include:

  • Providing information- patients and/or families are asked to provide to the best of their knowledge, accurate and complete information about the patient’s present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to the patient’s health. Please also inform us about unexpected changes in the patient’s condition.
    Note: Due to privacy regulations, patient information can only be shared with others with the patients’ permission. The patient’s health care proxy is designated to receive information and to make health care decisions if the patient is unable to do so.
  • Asking questions- please feel free to ask questions about anything you do not understand or anything that puzzles you. It’s important that patients and families fully understand what’s expected of them during hospitalization and after discharge.
  • Following instructions- the professionals who are taking care of you (or your loved one) have developed a plan of care that must be followed to achieve the best results during this illness/hospitalization. If at all possible, the hospital’s staff will adapt the treatment plan to best fit the patient’s individual needs and limitations. If adaptation is neither possible nor recommended, and the patient/family fail to follow the recommended course of treatment, the patient/family must be aware of and accept the consequences for the outcomes which occur as a result of altering the recommended course of treatment.
  • Following hospital rules and regulations- both patient and family are responsible to follow the hospital’s rules and regulations concerning both patient care and conduct.
  • Acting with consideration and respect- patients, families and other visitors are expected to be considerate of other patients, hospital personnel, and visitors. Smoking, unnecessary noise, fighting, and other inappropriate behaviors are unacceptable in an environment, which supports healing, and comfort. Patients and families are also expected to respect hospital property and the belongings of other patients, visitors and hospital personnel.

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The John T. Mather Memorial Hospital Ethics Committee

At John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, we are committed to shared decision making in healthcare and to honoring the patient’s wishes concerning medical treatment. The Ethics Committee is available to offer supportive counsel to help clarify and resolve ethical problems that might arise.

What is an Ethics Consultation?

An ethics consultation is a mechanism for discussing and clarifying ethical concerns in providing healthcare to an individual and for providing supportive counsel to patients, families and caregivers. When an ethics consultation is requested, members of the Ethics Committee review the patient’s medical record and meet with the patient, family members and/or the treatment team to identify and discuss the issues. Through careful and thoughtful discussion, this diverse group identifies ethical problems and offers options for resolving them.

What are Common Ethics Problems?

An ethics problem exists when the right thing to do is not clear or when people disagree about what is appropriate. Concerns may include questions like:

  • In the absence of a designated “Healthcare Proxy”, who should make healthcare decisions for patients who are unable to decide for themselves?
  • What should a family member do when the patient’s wishes are unclear?
  • When should life-sustaining treatment such as a mechanical respirator or artificial kidney be started, continued or stopped?
  • What happens when a patient or family member does not agree with the doctor’s planned course of treatment?
  • How should decisions be made when there appears to be a conflict between a patient’s advanced directive (living will) and other expressed wishes?
    Usually, these and other questions are satisfactorily answered during conversations among patients, family, physicians and other members of a treatment team. When additional help is needed, an ethics consultation may be arranged.

How is an Ethics Consultation Arranged?

You may request an ethics consultation through your nurse, your attending physician, social worker or pastoral care by contacting John T. Mather Memorial Hospital’s telephone operator and asking that an Ethics Consultant be contacted. The operator may be reached by calling (631) 473-1320.

Who are the Ethics Consultants?

Our clinical ethics consultants are members of the John T. Mather Memorial Hospital community. They are drawn from fields of medicine, nursing, social work, nutrition, chaplaincy, and law. They are committed to assist in honoring the patient’s specific directions about medical treatment.

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Nutritional Services

While at Mather, should you desire to receive nutrition education on your Physician prescribed diet or receive our food safety brochure, you may request to be seen by the dietitian by either writing this on your menu or asking the nurse to contact the Nutritional Services Department.
The CDC has estimated that food bourne disease causes approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths in the United States annually. People at greatest risk for food bourne illness are the critically ill, the elderly, pregnant women and the immunocompromised.

Mather Memorial Hospital adheres to the concept of No Food From Outside Sources to protect our patients from health risks from food that has not been prepared or kept at safe temperatures as dictated by the New York State Sanitary Code. At Mather Hospital, the Safety or our patients is very important.

Thank you for your support.

Should you have any questions or desire additional information, you can call Nutritional Services at 476-2724.

Due to the potential for…

  • Foodbourne Illness
  • Food Drug Interaction
  • Interference with Prescribed Diet

We adhere to the concept…
NO FOOD FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES…PLEASE

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Telephone Calls to the Nursing Unit

In order for your nurse to provide the best care and be available to meet your needs, we request that you select a family member or friend as the contact person to the rest of your family. Please let your nurse know the name of this person. This contact person, as the representative to the family, may contact your nurse by telephone between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. These are the only times calls can be made to the nursing unit to inquire about the status of patients.

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