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Welcome to The Ottawa Hospital
Your admission to The Ottawa Hospital has been arranged at the request of your physician who has privileges at The Ottawa Hospital. If your admission date has been set in advance, your physician will provide you with specific instructions in preparation for your admission.
There is a slight possibility that your scheduled surgery may be cancelled on the day due to emergency surgery cases or limited bed availability due to increased need at The Ottawa Hospital. If your procedure is cancelled, you will be notified by your physician or their delegate. We will do our very best to reschedule your surgical procedure as soon as possible.
If you are on the urgent waiting list, no specific admitting date will be given. You will be contacted by the hospital as soon as a bed is available and admitted the same day or the next day if you need to make special arrangements before coming to the hospital.
For more information
Civic Campus
Call your physician or the Admitting Department
613-798-5555 ext.13599
General Campus
Call your physician or the Admitting Department
613-737-8899 ext. 78200
Confirming admission and arrival time
If you are being admitted on the day of your surgery:
Call the Pre-Admission Unit one day before your surgery to confirm your arrival time at 613-761-4602 between 2 and 4 p.m.
The Admitting Department will call you the day before your surgery between 4 and 7 p.m. to confirm your admission time.
If you have not been contacted by 7 p.m., call 613-737-8200.
If you are being admitted the day before your surgery
Call the Admitting/Booking Department 613-761-4335 between 10 and 11 a.m. on the day of your admission to confirm the bed availability.
The Admitting Department will call you the morning of your admission to confirm your admission and arrival time.
If you have not been contacted by 1 p.m., please call 613-737-8200.
What to bring to the hospital
- Provincial health insurance card.
- Insurance information: Your personal insurance policy or your spouse’s that covers additional costs, such as private or semi-private rooms. The policy information required: policy/class/level, the address and the telephone number of the insurance company (not required if already provided when you pre-registered)
- WSIB file number and details (if applicable): For work-related accidents. Please also include some details regarding your accident.
- A credit card number: Before adding charges to your credit card for uninsured services, your insurance company and you will be billed first. Billing the credit card is the last recourse and it is only done with your consent.
- Living will or advanced directive: If you have prepared a document naming someone to speak on your behalf should you be unable to do so, or have a living will or an advance directive, please inform a member of your health-care team as soon as possible after your admission.
- Pajamas or a nightgown: The hospital provides blue patient gowns.
- Dressing gown/robe, slippers and underwear.
- Toiletries: Items can include a comb, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, shaving kit, etc.
- Miscellaneous items: Items can include eyeglasses and hearing aids.
Optional
- Battery-operated equipment, such as a razor.
- Electric hairdryers and similar accessories: All items must be less than 800 watts. Curling and flat irons are permitted, but you should not use them while in bed or alone in the room.
Do not bring
- Butane (or other gas-powered equipment) and electrical appliances.
- Jewellery: You will be asked to remove all jewellery including rings, chains, body piercings, etc.
- Small appliances: This includes coffee makers, fans, humidifiers, electrical hairdryers that use more than 800 watts, electric blankets, portable heaters.
- Any device where the plugs have been altered (ground prong removed) or damaged.
- Large sums of money, credit cards or valuable papers: If this is not possible, safety deposit boxes are available through Protective Services.
Medications
If you have brought medication (including prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and herbal products) that you are currently taking on a regular basis, please give it to the nurse or physician who admits you. A relative or friend may then return your medication to your home.
If this is not possible, the medication will be kept for you until you leave the hospital. Remember to ask for your medication when you are informed of your discharge. Unless directed by your physician, pharmacist or nurse, do not take any of your own medication while in hospital.
Valuables
The Ottawa Hospital is not responsible if your valuables are lost or stolen. Patients are encouraged to leave their personal items and electronics at home or with family and friends for safekeeping. You can use a safety deposit box in our Protective Services office to keep your valuables safe while you are in the Hospital. Please call the Protective Services office or ask a member of your health-care team.
Protective Services
613-761-4888 (Civic Campus)
613-737-8899 ext. 72003 (General Campus)
Movement is Medicine
Moving regularly in the hospital can help you:
- Recover faster.
- Keep your muscles strong.
- Improve breathing and circulation.
- Lower the risk of problems like weakness, blood clots, constipation.
If you can safely get up and move on your own, we encourage you to do so.
Ways to stay active
- Sit in a chair during meals or visits instead of staying in bed.
- Walk or wheel around the unit several times a day, as you are able.
- Move your arms and legs while sitting or lying down.
Your nurse, care attendant or visitors can help you with these activities if needed.
When to ask for help
Ask for support if you feel weak, dizzy or unsure if it is safe to move, or if you need a walker, cane, wheelchair or assistance from another person. Your care team is here to keep you safe.
Physiotherapy and extra support
A hospital physiotherapist may assess you if needed. Some patients choose to arrange private physiotherapy or
personal support using private health insurance. If interested, please speak with the nurse manager.
Please remember: Do what is safe for you, as guided by your care team. This information does not replace advice from your doctor or care team. The hospital is not liable for injuries that occur while moving with visitors or private care workers.