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at St. Catherine's Hospital, quality care is tailored to meet the individual needs of our patients. We believe that quality patient and family-centred care is always equitable care..

+256 200 931534

info@stcatherineshospital.co.ug
Plot 83, Buganda Road, Kampala, Uganda

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Monday - Friday 24 hours

Saturday and Sunday - 24 hours

+256 200 931534

info@stcatherineshospital.co.ug

Plot 83, Buganda Road

22868 Kampala, Uganda

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Frequently Asked Questions

We have gathered some of the most common questions from patients and answered them here. If you have a question that is not answered, please contact us by filling the form on our ‘Contact us’ page and we would be happy to assist.

1. Emergency Room FAQs

Read these frequently asked questions to learn more about the Emergency Department at St. Catherine’s Hospital

What procedures will I have in the Emergency Department?

Treatments and procedures may include lab work, radiological studies, CAT scans, ultrasound, EKG for cardiac review, medication administration and physician evaluations.

When will I see a physician?

All patients are first triaged by an ER nurse. Then patients are evaluated by a physician. Patients who have a higher acuity of illness (i.e. heart attack or stroke) may be treated before those patients with less severe conditions (laceration, sprained ankle, etc.). Your patience is always appreciated.

When will I be able to eat?

Patients are able to eat after all their tests are completed and the physician has evaluated the results. On average, it is within three to four hours. However, it is sometimes necessary for patients to remain “NPO” (nothing by mouth) until further tests and/or studies are completed.

When will I receive my pain medication?

The interdisciplinary team does a full assessment of every patient and establishes a comprehensive list of medical issues and challenges. The rehabilitation team then decides on the correct intensity of intervention for the best possible outcome. The rehabilitation programme in the unit includes, but is not limited to, the following: – Individual therapy sessions – Group therapy sessions – Participation in activities of daily living (dressing, bathing and bladder and bowel management) in the ward environment – Education – Assessment and recommendation of assistive devices and therapy equipment – Ward rounds – Team and family meetings

How is the Emergency Department staffed?

The department is staffed with emergency medicine physicians and nurses, physician assistants, technicians, CNAs and unit coordinators along with specialists from the laboratory, cardiology, respiratory and radiology departments.

What happens if I am admitted?

Upon admission to the hospital, you will remain in the Emergency Department until your inpatient room is ready. Your admitting physician will visit you during their designated “patient rounds.”

2. Acute physical rehabilitation FAQs

What happens once I am admitted?

The interdisciplinary team does a full assessment of every patient and establishes a comprehensive list of medical issues and challenges. The rehabilitation team then decides on the correct intensity of intervention for the best possible outcome. The rehabilitation programme in the unit includes, but is not limited to, the following: – Individual therapy sessions – Group therapy sessions – Participation in activities of daily living (dressing, bathing and bladder and bowel management) in the ward environment – Education – Assessment and recommendation of assistive devices and therapy equipment – Ward rounds – Team and family meetings

Do all patients undergo the same rehabilitation programme?

No, the focus of your intervention is tailored to the challenges or medical issues that arose in the initial and subsequent assessments. It’s important to remember that each patient is unique, both in their diagnosis as well as their abilities. No rehabilitation programme is the same. Our staff are committed to working with you and your family to ensure the best possible outcome, but you are the most important member of the team and your commitment to your rehabilitation is integral to our success. Your team will expect you to practise the techniques you are taught during your daily therapy sessions so that they can offer you support and guidance, and you can be confident and independent in these activities before you’re discharged.

What clothing should I bring?

Since this is a rehabilitation centre and not a hospital, we recommend that you wear your own clothing and not pyjamas. Patients with families close by are encouraged to have their laundry sent home with them, but if necessary a washing machine and dryer is available for patient use. Please mark all your clothing clearly with a permanent marker. We suggest you bring the following items to wear during your stay: Tracksuits T-shirts or shirts Short or long pants Underwear Socks and closed heel shoes Pyjamas Toiletries Please feel free to make your room more comfortable. Pictures, photographs and personal objects always make it feel that little bit more like home.

Am I allowed to keep my valuables with me?

Although we do our utmost to ensure the safety of your personal possessions, valuables, money and cell phones, these items are kept on our premises completely at your own risk. We can not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to your personal property. Please enquire with the nursing unit manager regarding the safe lock-up of any valuables.

Are my family and friends allowed to visit me?

Yes, we encourage family and friends to visit during the rehabilitation process. Your therapist will advise when your family can attend therapy sessions, as it can be distracting during treatment time. Remember that rehabilitation can be exhausting and rest is of paramount importance: it’s important to strictly adhere to the rules regarding visiting hours and the number of visitors.

Will my family be allowed to bring me food?

Most rehabilitation patients require an adapted diet – at least initially. Please discuss with the dietitian before bringing in any additional food, and make the doctor, dietitian, nursing staff and ward hostess aware if you have additional specific medical or non-medical needs.

How often do I receive therapy?

Every patient is assessed for their particular therapeutic requirements: your therapy “mix” and focus may therefore differ from your fellow patients. The intensity of therapy delivered is also dependent on your diagnostic category. In keeping with international best practice, our patients receive daily intervention (based on therapeutic need) five days a week over the length of their stay, with a reduced programme offered on Saturday mornings and most public holidays. Therapy doesn’t end in the gym, however: patients are expected to carry their newly learnt skills over into the ward environment under the guidance and with the assistance of the rehabilitation nursing team.

Am I allowed to take photographs or videos?

Yes, if you do not include any other patient in the photographs or in the background of the video without their permission. This is to respect and protect other patients’ confidentiality. We will obtain written permission from you before taking any photographs or video of you, and these will only be used to track your progress and for clinical teaching.

3. Going into hospital FAQs

What is pre-authorisation?

Before you can complete pre-admission, you need to get pre-authorisation from your medical aid. Either the patient or the main member must call the medical aid for an authorisation number.

What should I bring to hospital?

If you know you are going to be in hospital overnight – or a little longer – it is helpful to have all you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Here are a few essentials: Medical aid card and ID Comfortable clothing, slippers and a gown Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, moisturiser, deodorant and lip balm Cell phone and cell phone charger A good book or a few magazines A small notebook and a pen, for writing down questions or notes A list of your current medication, if any Eyeglasses, if necessary

What is the patient journey?

A visit to your doctor (GP or specialist), who decides to admit you to hospital – Pre-admission, either online or at the hospital – Admission and/or procedure – Post-op essentials, including your hospital stay – Discharge planning – Rehabilitation or follow-up consultations

What does hospital billing cover?

Hospital billing only covers the hospitalisation itself. It excludes services such as: Doctors Anaesthetist Radiology Laboratories Physiotherapists These are all private enterprises that will bill you separately.