Patient Services

A full range of services are in place to ensure that the care you receive meets your needs safely and with respect for your dignity. We have listed a few of our patient services below.

Meals

Each day breakfast menus are provided for patients to select the following day’s meals. This menu is based on the diet prescribed by your doctor. You may also be seen by a dietician who will talk to you about the food you should be eating while in hospital and when you go home. Patient meals are served at the following times:

• Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Dinner: 4:20 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. 

The cafeteria is located on the ground floor and offers a variety of food. It is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 24-hour vending machines are available near the cafeteria for drinks and snacks. 

Family members are allowed to bring favourite foods from home for their relatives. There is a patient fridge on most wards. Before bringing food from home, please check with the nurse or dietician about any dietary restrictions the patient may have. Our patient kitchens have a few snack items and juices for patient use.

Social Work

Social workers at Mount Saint Joseph can provide emotional and practical support to you, your partner and family members. Their counseling can help you cope with illness, lifestyle changes, loss, grief, death and dying. A social worker can also organize community resources for when you leave the hospital. If you wish to speak to a social worker, you, a family member or friend can ask a member of the health care team (i.e. your physician, nurse, physiotherapist, etc.) who will contact a social worker for you. For more information visit our Social Work section.

Interpreter Services

If you do not speak or understand English well enough to have conversations about your health, we can book an interpreter (at no cost). Interpreter Services are available 24-hours-a-day. For daily communication, we can use various tools, such as pictures and translated cards. Patients, residents, and family members can ask a member of the health care team to place a request for an interpreter. For more information click here.

Pastoral Care Services

Pastoral Care Staff are available to offer you and your family emotional and spiritual support during your stay in hospital. They can accompany you as you explore the meaning of suffering, experience the distress of illness, crisis of faith and issues surrounding death regardless of your denominational or faith backround. You will be treated with respect. Mount Saint Joseph has a Roman Catholic Chaplain who is available for Sacramental ministry and counseling. Patients of other faiths may request a visit from a minister, pastor or rabbi of their denomination. Ask to speak to the Pastoral Care office. Our Chapel is located on the 1st floor, and is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. For more information visit our Pastoral Care section.

Advanced Care Planning

Ensure your wishes for future health care treatment are known, even at a time when you may not be able to speak or communicate for yourself. To find out more about Advanced Care Planning, click here.

Well Wishes Email Service

Please send an email that includes the patient’s full name, unit, and room number, along with your written message, and it will be hand-delivered by a volunteer. This service is intended for well-wishes only. Messages containing matters of business or inappropriate content will be deleted. We recommend that confidential items not be sent using this system. Patients are unable to send a response through this service, as it is delivery only. Send your message to wellwishesmsj@providencehealth.bc.ca.