Hospital Happenings: Five Things You Need to Know

1. will offer a class on Pediatric Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation with Automated External Defibrillator from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11 in the McNary Conference Center.

Instructors for this class are certified by the American Heart Association. Attendees will learn infant and child CPR, AED training and methods to relieve choking. Infant safety in the home also will be discussed.

The cost is $25 per person.  Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call 1-877-284-2000.

2. The staff of the Mutschler Orthopaedic Institute will offer a free informational session for people who are considering total knee or hip replacement surgery. The free program will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 and repeated at 11 a.m. Oct. 8 in the McNary Conference Center at Canonsburg General Hospital.

Topics covered include: Information about arthritis; explanation of a joint replacement surgery; details of the pre-operative, operative and post operative care; information on anesthesia; pain management guides for the recovery period; and physical therapy guidelines.

There will be a question-and-answer period, and refreshments will be provided. To register, call 1-888-877-5955 or 724-873-5955.

3. Canonsburg General Hospital pharmacists are offering a free medication record for people to list prescription and over-the-counter medications                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              “The medication record is a convenient way to keep track of current medications, the dosage and special instructions,” said Mary Ann Brown, the director of the hospital’s pharmacy department. “Serious problems can be avoided if a person is aware of his medications, along with potential side effects and food interactions.”

To obtain a free copy of the hospital’s medication record, call the community relations department at 724-873-5835.

4. Area residents who need transportation to Canonsburg General Hospital for testing or surgery can use the hospital’s complimentary Medivan service, operated by Canonsburg Ambulance.

The service cannot accommodate patients in wheelchairs and transportation must be scheduled at least one day prior to use to avoid delays for other riders. To schedule transportation, call 724-745-6911.

5. Canonsburg General Hospital registered pharmacist Mary Ann Brown can be reached by telephone to answer questions regarding prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

This free service is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.                                                            

"Common questions are, 'What should I do if I miss a dose, and when is the best time to take a medication," Brown said.

Callers should be sure to have the medicines available when speaking with the pharmacist. The service does not replace a physician's advice, but is meant to answer some of the most common questions regarding medications.

The Ask-A-Pharmacist number is (724) 873-5893.