Hospital amenities and services

There may be private (one-person), semi-private (two-person), and shared rooms (three-person or more) available. While it's not possible to guarantee that your roommate will be of the same gender, your privacy is important, which is why every bed has privacy curtains. 

You can also ask about paying for a private or semi-private room, as there is a limited number available in each Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) hospital. While there is no guarantee a private or semi-private room will be available, we try our best to accommodate these requests. 

• Shared rooms (three-person or more): These rooms don't cost anything for patients with B.C. Medical Services Plan coverage. 
• Semi-private (two-person): You share the room and bathroom with one other person. All genders may share semi-private rooms.
• Private room (one person): You are the only person in the room with your own bathroom. 

Good nutrition is an important part of your recovery. At most of our hospitals, you will get a menu to choose selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ask your nurse or a family member if you need help selecting your meals.

If you have food allergies or follow a special diet, let your nurse know as soon as you arrive. A dietitian will talk to you about your food needs and help design a meal plan for you.

Your family is welcome to bring in your favourite foods, but we do not have space to store large amounts of food.

• Infection control at our hospitals: We've introduced a number of precautions to ensure a healthy hospital environment, where our patients and staff are kept safe from infections. Control measures are also in place to minimize the spread of infections when they're identified. Learn more.
• Staff name tags: There will be many people involved in your care. Everyone who works for VCH wears a name tag and will be able to answer your questions about what they do.
• Fire alarm: VCH facilities regularly hold fire drills. If a fire alarm goes off during your stay, please remain in your room. Staff are trained to provide instructions to patients in the event of a fire drill or emergency.
• Smoking and fragrances: All VCH facilities are smoke-free, inside and outside. If you're interested, stop smoking programs and products are available at several hospitals to help you quit smoking before and/or during your stay. Please do not wear perfume, cologne or aftershave if you are a patient in a VCH facility. If you can, remind visitors before they come to see you to refrain from wearing these products or bringing flowers with strong scents. Some people are highly allergic to fragrances and can suffer severe reactions.
• Pets and service animals: Many of us at VCH love pets and recognize their essential role in our health and well-being. But not everyone shares our love of animals. Some people suffer from allergies and animals don’t always fit well in our hospitals’ busy hallways. Depending on the unit and hospital, pets may be allowed to visit. Check with the unit manager before bringing in your pet. Certified service animals, such as guide dogs, are always welcome. We also encourage visits from therapeutic animals as long as the visit has been prearranged with the unit staff.

Learn more about patient safety

Hospital resource centres

Hospital resource centres are available at some Vancouver Coastal Health hospitals. Hospital resource centres assist people, and their families make informed choices about their health by providing access to information and personal assistance in locating information. 

Resource centres may offer information on: 

• Diseases, conditions, symptoms, medical tests etc.
• Finding your way around the health care system
• Community resources and how to access them

They may also offer: 

• Computer access for email and research
• Pamphlets and brochures
• Copy machine and fax
• Travel and accommodation information

Learn more

Nurses

Nurses can assist you with many issues. Do not hesitate to ask if you need any assistance or support. 

Social workers

A social worker can help you and your family with the following issues:  

• Personal and financial affairs: Social workers can provide guidance about how to talk with your family and friends about your wishes and values related to end-of-life (i.e., Advanced Directives) and your finances (e.g., Will).  
• Transportation and accommodation 
• Home care after surgery 
• Emotional support before, during and after surgery

Health advice over the phone

Call 8-1-1 (7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing) for trusted health advice from HealthLink BC. This free, 24-hour, non-emergency telephone service is staffed by trained registered nurses, pharmacists and dieticians who can help answer your health-related questions with translation services in over 130 languages.

Requests for assistance or information

Navigating the maze of facilities and health-care providers can be overwhelming, especially if you are facing health challenges. Patient Care Quality Office (PCQO) can help you find your way through the system and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) facilities.