Hospitals

People are admitted to stay in the hospital only if they are referred by a physician: a family doctor, specialist or emergency department doctor.

Hospital gowns are provided for patients to use free of charge but many patients bring their own nightclothes, slippers and housecoats. Medically required hospital expenses, including meals and a bed in a ward, are paid for by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Additional costs for private or semi-private rooms may be covered by private insurance plans.

Most hospitals have rules about visiting hours and the number of people allowed to visit at the same time. For their own protection, young children may not be allowed to visit in some areas of the hospital.

All hospitals have social workers to help patients deal with non-medical problems (for example, arranging care for family members left at home or follow-up care after you have been discharged from hospital). A social worker may be able to arrange for an interpreter if you need one.

Date Updated: Nov 01, 2007
RDP-587