FAQ for Medically Complex Services
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- How does St. Joseph’s Care Group determine if Medically Complex is the service best suited for me?
- What type of professionals make up the team on the Medically Complex Service?
- How long will I be there?
- Will I be able to stay/ live in the Medically Complex Service?
- What do you mean by Longer Stay Respiratory Services?
- What is respite and how do I get admitted to the bed on Medically Complex Service?
- What if my condition changes?
Answers
1. How does St. Joseph’s Care Group determine if Medically Complex is the service best suited for me?
If you are in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, you may be assessed by Utilization Coordinators and a St. Joseph’s Care Group employee called an Admission Facilitator. If you are out in the region your health care provider can complete a referral form that will reviewed. If you are assessed to have a stabilized disease processes, have predictable outcomes, your admission is anticipated to be greater than 6 weeks and you can participate in therapy a minimum of 45 minutes per week (provided in 3 sessions); you may be a candidate for the Medically Complex service.
2. What type of professionals make up the team on the Medically Complex Service?
Most family physicians chose to have their clients cared for by one of the two physicians who provide care for the clients in Complex Continuing Care. The members of our team who will work directly with you may include: Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Social Workers, Dieticians and Spiritual Care Providers. You may also get the chance to work with: Pharmacists, dietary staff, housekeeping, clerical staff and others.
3. How long will I be there?
This will depend on your goals, your physical condition when you are admitted, your determination and your progress.
4. Will I be able to stay/ live in the Medically Complex Service?
No. You will work with our inter-professional team to determine your goals and optimize your condition within your limitations. The inter-professional team will meet with you and your family within 6 weeks of admission to discuss your progress and plans for discharge. The discharge destination will vary and could include home, long term care, a retirement facility, supportive housing etc.
5. What do you mean by Longer Stay Respiratory Services?
Clients who require respiratory support; including the use of ventilation assistance devices such as CPAP, BIPAP and chronic ventilation are admitted after the assessment, review and approval of a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Clients will be assessed to insure that they are medically stable.
6. What is respite and how do I get admitted to the bed on Medically Complex Service?
Respite refers to a short stay with a specific admission and discharge date. Clients are assessed by Home and Community Care Support Services to determine if the respite services can be made available. Beds are located at Bethammi (a long term care facility that is part of the SJCG) and on the Medically Complex service. If clients require specialty medically services like respiratory support, central lines, etc; they may be referred to the Medically Complex service.
7. What if my condition changes?
When you are admitted your nurse will ask you about your wishes regarding resuscitation and treatments. You can of course change your mind any time during your admission. You will be transferred to acute care (Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre) if your condition becomes unstable, your physician determines this is necessary and of course you have not indicated that this is not your wish.
