Your Health Care Team
Members of your health care team wear a hospital identification badge for your convenience and security.
Physicians
Physicians and other practitioners participating in your care may not be hospital employess. These include, but may not be limited to, your admitting physician, surgeon, consulting physician, anesthesiologist/CRNA, neonatologist, pediatrician, and radiologist, who may be independent contractors. If you are unsure, ask the physician or staff member to identify themself and explain their affiliation with the hospital. In addition to the bill from the hospital you may receive a bill from independent contractors / private practitioners (such as those listed above). If you have questions regarding a physician bill, please contact the physician’s billing office. If you wish to change physicians, ask to speak to a nurse manager.
Nurses
Nursing care is provided 24 hours-a-day by a team of professional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse assistants. A nursing supervisor is available at any time to assist you with your needs or concerns.
Dietitians (ext. 6557)
The hospital maintains a staff of full-time registered dieticians to meet your dietary needs. Dieticians can meet with you to discuss new dietary modifications and answer questions about your meals or diet.
Social Workers/Patient Care Coordinators (ext. 6590)
Assigned to each patient care area, social workers are trained to help patients and family members deal with financial, social and emotional problems that relate to illness or hospitalization. They also work with patients and families to help deal with long-term illnesses and rehabilitation. Patient care coordinators are registered nurses involved in planning your discharge from the hospital, which may involve arranging for home health care, medical or other adaptive equipment for your home, or for a period of care in a rehabilitation facility or skilled nursing facility.
Patient Relations (ext. 6550)
RWJ Hamilton’s patient relations manager is here to accommodate the needs of patients, visitors, physicians and staff. Should you have a question or concern about your stay, contact patient relations from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or a nursing supervisor at all other times. Patient visitors are welcome to visit the patient relations office.
