Who's Who

While you are a patient, you will be cared for by many different health professionals. Each wears a photo identification badge. If you have any question about anyone who is treating you, please ask. These are some of the health professionals you may meet:

Attending physician: The doctor in charge of your care, who will write orders for medications, procedures and tests, monitor your condition, and direct your care.

Resident physicians: Doctors receiving specialty training, they also may examine and care for you under the supervision of your attending physician.

Physician assistants: Physician assistants are on duty around the clock working with your doctors to see that you receive the care that is ordered.

Head nurse: The head nurse manages your unit and supervises all nursing care. If you have questions or concerns about your care, please discuss them with the head nurse or the assistant head nurse.

Licensed practical nurses: They assist registered nurses and give medications.

Nursing assistants: Nursing assistants help with basic care such as feeding, bathing, walking and toileting.

Phlebotomists: Phlebotomists draw blood for tests.

Social workers: They counsel patients, lead support groups, make referrals to community services, give patients financial assistance information and help make nursing home placements. To speak with a social worker, please call (631) 968-3424.

Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapists: These therapists give you exercises to maintain and regain your strength and coordination, start the rehabilitation process, and provide speech and swallowing training.

Dietitians: A dietitian will meet with you regularly to plan meals that meet your medical needs. Let them know if you have food allergies, religious restrictions, or special food preferences. The Nutrition and Food Service Department is at (631) 968-3594.

Special Services

Private duty nurses: Private nurses can be hired. The Nursing Department can give you a list of nursing agencies and check that private nurses have the proper credentials. Private nurse arrangements are entirely between the patient and the nursing agency.

Chaplains: Southside's Interfaith Pastoral Care Program includes members of the clergy and specially trained volunteers. If you would like to see a chaplain, please call the Pastoral Care Office at (631) 968-3442 or tell your nurse.

Volunteers: These dedicated hospital assistants help in non-medical ways by delivering newspapers and mail, circulating library books and providing arts and crafts projects. The Volunteer Office can be reached at (631) 968-3442.

Translators: Many members of Southside's staff are bilingual or multilingual and often can serve as translators. Southside has access to translators and interpreters who are available around-the-clock by telephone and who speak most languages.

Services for the hearing-impaired: Southside uses "Deaf Talk," a televised system that links the patient to a translator offsite. Southside also has TTY telephones for patients and families who need them, hearing aid-compatible telephones and other devices to improve telephone communications. Contact your nurse or the telephone operator to arrange for these devices. Ask your nurse or the Social Work Department for an interpreter.

Patient representative: The patient representative can help you resolve issues small and large. When a very difficult decision must be made, she can arrange an ethics consultation with a small group of experienced caregivers to help you arrive at the solution that is best for you and your family. To speak with the patient representative, ask you nurse or call (631) 968-3535.

Telephone: Patients receive their own telephone numbers, and pay a daily telephone charge. Local calls are included in the daily fee. Long distance calls can be billed to your home number, credit card, or placed as collect calls. You may request that you receive no calls after 11:30 p.m.

Television: Television, including closed-captioned television, can be rented by the day. Southside has several patient education channels. For television service, call (631) 968-3874 between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.