Let us assume, for example, that you are going to the hospital because you have had symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but your doctor cannot be sure of this diagnosis without making use of the equipment and facilities the hospital affords.
How a patient is admitted to the hospital
Your doctor assumes the responsibility for making all the arrangements with hospital authorities about your time of arrival and the type of accommodation to be reserved for you.
You arrive at the appointed time with a few personal effects, such as pyjamas, slippers, bathrobe and toilet articles. The officials at the hospital enquiry office will direct you to the admitting officers. Some identifying particulars are recorded for administrative purposes and an orderly then takes you to your room or ward.
There a sister greets you and has a nurse take you to your allocated bed and explains the hospital routine. The nurse checks your weight, temperature, pulse, and respiration, and records them on your bed chart. In small general hospitals and private institutions your own doctor will be responsible for your hospital care. In the larger general or specialized hospitals a doctor on the hospital staff will take a detailed history of your problem and perform a full physical examination. This doctor is directly responsible to the specialist who is in charge of your investigation. He will make a detailed record of his findings and discuss the latter with the specialist.
A nurse will answer your call if there is anything you need, and a circulating library service is usually at your disposal if you feel like reading. Most hospitals have special facilities for children—including books and games. You can have a radio provided it has ear-phones and if you occupy a room or a ward without acutely sick or distressed fellow patients it is generally possible to view a rented television set.
Let us assume that three days or so have passed, and the hospital tests that your doctor requested have substantiated his suspicions that you have hyperthyroidism. The specialist feels your type of over-active thyroid gland can best be treated by surgical removal of most of this enlarged gland, and suggests that you be examined by a surgeon. If the surgeon confirms the diagnosis and you agree to having an operation the appropriate arrangements will be made.
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