Patients and Visitors
Strong Memorial Hospital
Your Health Care Team
Doctors and nurses play an obvious role on your health care team, but in addition, your team may include social workers, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, dietitians and others. Each member of the team plays a unique role in your recovery and is knowledgeable about your particular health situation. Chaplains and volunteers round out your health care team and are available to provide support and assist in any way they can.
The following types of staff work together to give you the care you need:
- Your attending physician is responsible for
all decisions that affect your care. This doctor may or
may not be the same person as your primary care physician
(PCP)
or family doctor. Upon admission, you will receive a notice
that lists the name of your attending physician (except in
Behavioral
Health). Sometimes it is necessary for your attending physician
to call upon a specialist to assist in your treatment.
- Strong Memorial Hospital is a teaching
hospital, therefore, you may receive some of your care from
residents
who
are receiving additional training. These doctors, along with
nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants coordinate
your daily care and ensure the attending physician’s
orders are carried out.
- The nurse manager directs the nursing care
on your unit and is available to address any nursing concerns.
- Nurse leaders direct your day-to-day nursing care. They can
also answer questions about your care.
- Nursing care coordinators work with the entire health team
to provide quality care and teaching.
- Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
provide 24-hour nursing care.
- Patient care technicians (PCTs) help nursing staff with tasks
like drawing blood, taking vital signs, transferring patients
to and
from bed, and bathing.
- Pharmacists provide expertise on the medications you may
take and, as part of your health care team, they are available
for medication
consultation.
- The unit secretary greets patients when they arrive on the
unit. They provide the unit’s
clerical needs and are a general resource for patients and
families. If the unit secretary is unable to answer your question,
he or she will direct you to the person who will be able to
help you.
- Social workers assist with family and social issues and
help in discharge planning. They are able to provide options
when alternate living options or a transfer to another health
care facility are needed.
- The community health nurse coordinates any home health care
needs.
- The food & nutrition staff, including registered dietitians,
help with planning special meals
as requested by your doctor.