Entering The Hospital Through The Front Door -- Elective Admission

It is highly recommended that you have a friend or family member stay with you during your hospitalization.  They may act as your health advocate.  Your advocate can supply emotional support in addition to looking after your interests at a time when you may be too sick or unable to do so for yourself. The advocate can take notes, ask questions and clarify exactly what is to be done, and why. The advocate can also remind staff when something needs to be done - or command the attention of doctors and nurses when necessary. 

Being an advocate is a big responsibility, so, if possible, call upon more than one person for help.  If possible, when deciding upon an advocate, choose someone who can be assertive, think objectively, and has the capacity to listen and accurately remember details.

It will be to your advantage to have someone with you round-the-clock.  This is permissible even though posted visiting hours are usually much more limited. Posted hospital visiting hours are guidelines specifically intended for visitors, not health advocates.

Health advocates may not be allowed to stay in an intensive care unit. Space is generally at a premium and you could interfere with the treatment of other patients. 

You may think that the presence of an advocate would upset the hospital staff. However, nurses often appreciate the presence of a health advocate.  Your advocate can take care of simple needs that can be done without a nurse, but would require a nurse if you were alone, such as bringing you a drink of water, helping you to the bathroom, and assisting with other personal needs. 

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