Overnight Medical Care

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital has introduced the Night Hospitalist Service to provide a doctor on site to oversee inpatient care during the night when your doctor is sleeping.

What is a hospitalist?

A hospitalist is an internist or a family practice doctor who specializes in the care of patients in the hospital. Hospitalists don’t usually have a private office practice, although some at BMH do.

When would I see a hospitalist?

If admitted to the hospital, your doctor would oversee your patient care between 7 AM and 7 PM. After 7 PM, your doctor may refer your overnight care to a hospitalist, who would oversee your treatment between the hours of 7 PM and 7 AM.

What does a hospitalist do?

• Collects information from your doctor about your needs and your treatment plan at times when you need to be admitted to the hospital at night.
• Conducts your exams, as well as orders and interprets tests, medications and treatments needed to address your medical condition.
• Coordinates your care and treatment with nurses and other members of the healthcare team so you receive the medical services specific to your needs.
• Communicates with your doctor about the care and treatment you received overnight at the hospital to ensure appropriate follow-up action.

What questions do I need to ask?

• Find out from your doctor who will take care of you in the event you are admitted to the hospital.
• Talk with your doctor about how information about you and your healthcare needs will be communicated between your doctor and the hospitalist.
• If you need to speak with your doctor while hospitalized, ask your nurse to contact your doctor or the hospitalist at night.
• Discuss any other questions or concerns you have about the night hospitalist service with your doctor.

About the hospitalists

Dr. Carolyn Taylor-Olson is the fulltime medical director of the BMH night hospitalist service. She is supported by several internists with private office practices who work part-time as a night hospitalist.

Benefits of the new Night Hospitalist

The Night Hospitalist Service is a great benefit to you if you are hospitalized at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

Your overnight hospital care may be provided by a hospitalist, who is always on site at the hospital to care for needs you may have during the night. These could include:

• Admitting you from the Emergency Department if you need inpatient treatment
• Overseeing your treatment and facilitating treatment changes if your condition changes
• Ensuring professional, round-theclock medical care