Your Guide to a Comfortable Hospital Stay

Muscat Private Hospital is committed to delivering patient-centered healthcare while maintaining the highest standards of quality and patient safety.

We strive to provide:

• Safe healthcare
• Compassionate care
• Respect for patients
• Excellence in clinical outcomes
• Continuous quality improvement

Muscat Private Hospital is the premiere private hospital in Oman and is the first healthcare facility in the country to obtain Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation in 2012. The hospital was re-accredited by JCI in 2023.

Accreditation means our hospital follows recognized standards for safety and quality. It helps us provide safe, reliable, and patient-centered care every day for our patients.

A team of healthcare professionals will work together to take care of you. Your care team may include:

• Doctor
• Nurses
• Pharmacist
• Physiotherapist
• Dietitian
• Laboratory staff
• Radiology staff

Please feel free to ask your doctor or nurse if you have any questions about your treatment or care. We are here to help you.

What to expect from the moment you are admitted to the ward.

Patient identification. For your safety, always wear your identification wristband. Staff will verify your name and date of birth before:

• Giving medications
• Collecting blood
• Performing procedures
• Surgery
• Blood transfusion

Companion. One companion is allowed to stay with you. Extra beddings will be provided.

Prayer. Qibla is placed at the entrance of your room and a prayer mat is available in the clothes locker.

Doctor's rounds. You will receive a daily visit from your doctor or on duty doctor.

Room. A television is provided in your room for your entertainment, offering a selection of English and Arabic channels. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hospital. If you require assistance connecting your device to the Wi-Fi network, please ask any member of our nursing staff, who will be happy to help you.

Smoking. Muscat Private Hospital is a smoke-free campus. Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited anywhere within the hospital premises. If you wish to smoke, you must go outside the hospital premises in the designated smoking areas.

Nurse call bell. Use the nurse call bell whenever you need assistance. Our nursing staff will respond as quickly as possible.

Your safety is our highest priority. You can help us provide safe, high-quality care by:

• Informing your healthcare team about any allergies, previous reactions to medications, or existing medical conditions.
• Providing an up-to-date list of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Asking questions if you do not understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, or any procedure.
• Informing your doctor or nurse immediately if you feel worse, notice any new symptoms, or have concerns about your condition.
• Calling for assistance before getting out of bed or walking if you feel weak, dizzy, have been advised that you are at risk of falling, or require help with mobility.
• Always wear your patient identification wristband during your hospital stay and let staff know if it becomes damaged or falls off.
• Take an active role in your care by confirming your name and date of birth when staff check your identity before medications, tests, or procedures.

Working together with your healthcare team helps ensure a safe and positive hospital experience.

Help us keep you, your family, and other patients safe by following these simple infection prevention measures:

• Clean your hands regularly using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Remind healthcare staff to clean their hands before providing your care if you do not see them do so.
• Follow any isolation or infection control precautions as instructed by your healthcare team.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and clean your hands afterward.
• Wear a mask if requested by your healthcare team or when required for infection prevention.
• Avoid visiting other patients' rooms unless permitted by hospital staff.

By working together, we can help prevent the spread of infections and create a safer environment for everyone.

Your safety is our priority. Please inform your doctor or nurse if you:

• Have any allergies to medications or other substances.
• Are currently taking any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
• Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Experience any side effects or unexpected reactions after taking your medication.

Important: do not take any medicines brought from home unless your doctor or nurse has been informed and has approved their use.

If you have any questions about your medications, please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. They will be happy to explain the purpose of your medicines, how to take them safely, and any possible side effects.

Visitors are welcome during designated visiting hours.

Please:

• Limit visitors when possible.
• Do not visit if you have fever or flu symptoms.
• Children should be supervised at all times.
• Follow infection prevention precautions.

ICU and special units may have different visiting policies.

Your meals will be prepared according to your medical condition and nutritional needs to support your recovery.

Please inform your nurse or dietitian if you have:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Religious or cultural dietary requirements
• Any special dietary recommendations from your healthcare provider

Meal times:

• Breakfast: 06:30-09:00 hrs
• Lunch: 12:00-15:00 hrs
• Dinner: 18:00-21:00 hrs

A dietitian visits patients every morning between 08:00 and 09:00 hrs (Sunday to Thursday) to assess nutritional needs, provide dietary counseling, and assist with meal planning when required.

Important information:

• To ensure safe, hygienic, and appropriate nutrition during your hospital stay, please do not order food from outside restaurants unless approved by your healthcare team.
• One companion is entitled to complimentary daily meals. Additional meals for companions or visitors will incur an additional charge.
• The hospital offers a variety of meal options. Special therapeutic, cultural, and religious diets are available when required as part of your care.
• If you are not on a prescribed diet, you will be offered a selection of meal options before each meal.
• Before certain tests, procedures, or surgeries, you may be required to fast for a specified period. Your nurse will advise you when to stop eating and drinking and when you may resume your meals.

For your safety and security, we recommend that you do not bring the following items to the hospital:

• Large amounts of cash
• Jewelry
• Valuable personal items, such as expensive watches, electronics, or important documents

If you bring valuables to the hospital, please inform your nurse so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed where available.

Please note: the hospital cannot accept responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings or valuables kept in your possession during your stay. We encourage you to leave valuable items at home whenever possible.

Our Billing Team is available to assist you with:

• Insurance eligibility and pre-authorizations
• Insurance approvals and coverage inquiries
• Self-payment options
• Estimated treatment costs
• Final bill preparation and explanation
• Accepted payment methods and payment assistance

If you have any questions regarding your hospital charges, insurance coverage, or payment process, please contact the Billing Office. Our team will be happy to assist you throughout your hospital stay and at the time of discharge.

Your doctor will determine when you are medically fit to be discharged from the hospital.

After your doctor issues the discharge order, the discharge process generally takes 2-3 hours for self-paying patients, and 4-5 hours for patients using insurance, as insurance approval may be required. During this time you will continue to receive appropriate care and monitoring while your discharge documents and medications are being prepared.

Your discharge includes the following steps:

• Doctor's discharge order
• Preparation of medical documents, including your discharge summary, medical or sick leave certificate if applicable, insurance claim documents if required, prescriptions and other relevant certificates
• Completion of nursing discharge procedures
• Preparation and dispensing of discharge medications by the pharmacy
• Preparation of your final hospital bill

For patients using insurance, the additional time is required to generate the invoice, prepare the discharge summary, process the insurance documents and obtain approval from your insurance company, and explain your discharge instructions including your medications and follow-up visit if any.

Please ensure that:

• You have collected all your personal belongings.
• All hospital charges have been settled, if applicable, and any required insurance or claim forms have been completed and signed.
• Any valuables or items kept in hospital custody have been returned to you.
• You have received all necessary documents, including your discharge summary, medical certificates, prescriptions, and insurance documents if applicable.

You should also understand:

• Your medications and how to take them
• Your follow-up appointments
• Any home care instructions or activity restrictions
• When and where to seek medical attention if your condition changes after discharge

If you have any questions before leaving the hospital, please speak with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or the Billing Office. We are committed to ensuring you have a safe and smooth transition from hospital to home.

Your feedback is important to us.

We value your comments, compliments, and suggestions, as they help us improve the quality of care and services we provide. Please share your experience through the MOH Patient Experience Survey.

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