Entertainment
Television is not included automatically in the facilities provided by the hospital and must be paid for separately, although the rates are reasonable. Most hospitals provide a radio which can be listened to with headphones in order not to disturb other patients. The radio has only a limited selection of stations.
Some hospitals offer library facilities, and these are usually run by a volunteer who makes a round with a library cart each day. The volunteer department also has a cart that sells magazines, toilet articles, such as toothpaste or shampoo, and other small items. The daily newspapers are provided by regular employees, who make daily rounds, a newspaper vending machine in the lobby, or a hospital gift shop. It is therefore a good idea to keep a small amount of money with you to buy a newspaper or magazine. You can also ask a friend to bring in reading literature if the hospital does not have a library.
Visiting Hours
There may be a limit on the number of visitors allowed in a room at any one time, which may not always be strictly enforced, unless, as occasionally happens, the system is abused and patients in nearby beds are disturbed or distressed by a crowd of noisy visitors. Relatives can always ask the head nurse on the unit if they are worried about the number of visitors allowed. Visitors should also remember that the patient is a captive audience, and a few short visits are less tiring and break the day up better than one visit that lasts an hour. If you find that you are getting unduly tired by visitors or that there are people you do not want to see, you can let your physician know. There are many ways of protecting a patient from unwanted visitors without causing personal embarrassment.
Visiting time is a good opportunity for you to take a short walk, with assistance if necessary, provided your physician has given consent. Visiting time also provides an opportunity for the family to participate in the care of the patient, encouraging the patient to drink plenty of fluids or helping the patient to brush his or her hair. Such activity is very supportive for the patient.
