Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Can I smoke as a patient? As a visitor?

Yes, we have smoking areas available at the hospital. Upon arrival, please ask any staff member and they will direct you to the right area.  If you are trying to kick the habit, HealthLink Littauer offers many smoking cessation classes.  Ask about them.

What is a DNR?

Do-Not-Resuscitate Order (DNR). A DNR order is a physician’s written order instructing healthcare providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest. A person with a valid DNR order will not be given CPR under these circumstances. Although the DNR order is written at the request of a person or his or her family, it must be signed by a physician to be valid.

Advance directives are legal documents in which patients express their wishes about the kind of health care they want to receive should they become unable to make their own treatment decisions. There are two types of advance directives: the living will, and the durable power of attorney for health care. Check with an attorney to learn more. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

What is a healthcare proxy?

The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust — for example, a family member or close friend – to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes. Your agent can also decide how your wishes apply as your medical condition changes. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers must follow your agent’s decisions as if they were your own. You may give the person you select as your health care agent as little or as much authority as you want. You may allow your agent to make all health care decisions or only certain ones. You may also give your agent instructions that he or she has to follow. This form can also be used to document your wishes or instructions with regard to organ and/or tissue donation.

Find a healthcare proxy here>>

Who can assist us with these processes and forms?

Please consult with a lawyer. For reference purposes you may visit the following organizations:

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Caring Connections

Who should have copies of these forms and who keeps the original?

Give a copy to your agent, your doctor, your attorney and any other family members or close friends you want. Keep a copy in your wallet or purse or with other important papers, but not in a location where no one can access it, like a safe deposit box. Bring a copy if you are admitted to the hospital, even for minor surgery, or if you undergo outpatient surgery.

What is my blood type?

Contact your provider to get this information. If warranted, they can order a blood type test. We can provide you with your blood type information in person with proper identification. To do so, please come to our lab on our main campus.

I would like to donate blood.

We frequently host blood drives in coordination with the American Red Cross. Please check our EVENTS page for blood drive listings.

I would like to make a donation to the Hospital and/or Nursing Home. How do I do that?

To make a donation, please visit our Giving page.  You may direct your donation to a specific area.

FOR ANY OTHER QUESTIONS

We are happy to help. Please contact us at info@nlh.org or call us at 518-725-8621.