During your stay at Cooper University Hospital, you will come in contact with a variety of healthcare professionals who work in tandem to ensure that you receive the serious care for which Cooper is known. Throughout the Cooper campus, you can easily identify members of the Cooper team through their photo identification cards, which are always worn in plain sight. A few of the staff members you may come in contact with during your stay or visit include:
:: Attending Physicians
Your attending physician is the doctor responsible for your care while you are in the hospital.
:: Consulting Physicians
At times, your attending physician may want another opinion from a specialist regarding your diagnosis or treatment. A physician, trained and experienced in a specific area, may be called in as a consultant.
:: Physician Residents and Fellows (House Staff)
Residents and fellows are physicians devoting additional years to develop expertise in particular areas of medical care.
:: Medical Students
Cooper University Hospital has a comprehensive medical education program as a core affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden. Medical students will be assigned to participate in your care under the direction of attending physicians, consulting physicians, residents and fellows.
:: Nursing Staff
A clinical manager is responsible for the quality of nursing care given to patients in the unit. Questions about a patient’s nursing care should be directed to the clinical manager.
The rest of the unit’s nursing staff is composed of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse educators, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses (RNs) and nursing students.
:: Specialty Services
Allied Health Professionals
During your stay, you may be cared for by employees from other hospital departments such as laboratory, radiology and respiratory therapy. They perform a variety of specialized tasks such as drawing blood samples, taking x-rays and administering breathing treatments. Other allied health professionals such as physical, speech and occupational therapists provide rehabilitation programs to help patients improve or restore function.
Patient Representatives
Patient Representatives are available to help you with non-medical problems, special situations, needs or services, and interpretation of hospital policies and procedures. If you have any questions or comments, please call them at extension 2432, 2539 or 2534.
Transport Services
Our transport services staff escort patients from their rooms to other departments such as radiology, physical therapy or other areas as needed.
Social Work
Social Workers are available to evaluate the patient's psychosocial needs, provide support counseling to patients and families, and to coordinate community resources.
Pastoral Care
Clergy of various denominations are available through the pastoral care office. A group of ordained and lay pastoral care volunteers regularly visits within the hospital. To reach the Pastoral Care office, call extension 2197.
Security
For your protection, a security department staffs the hospital. You may see members of the department on the patient floors or elsewhere in the hospital. To reach the Security Department, dial extension 2400.
Environmental Services
Our environmental service staff helps to keep a clean environment throughout the hospital. Your room will be cleaned daily.
Bioethics Committee
Patients and their families who are faced with a moral issue relating to patient care have the option of having the issue brought before Cooper’s Bioethics Committee via a consult. Issues include but are not limited to end-of-life care issues; ethical issues at the beginning of life; role of religion in health care; access to health services; organ transplantation; and patient rights to accept or refuse medical treatment. To request a consult, call our risk management/insurance office at (856) 342-2112.
:: Be a participant in your care.
Everyone has a responsibility in making your health care safe, including you. You play an important role in making your care safe by asking questions, paying attention to the care you are receiving, learning about your diagnosis and your treatment plan, and knowing the medications you are on and why. If you are not capable of these responsibilities, ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.