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Türkiye: Life in hospital

A haematology ward in Türkiye has its own rules: the refakatçi (companion) system, visiting limits and infection protection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a room with a bed and a fold-out chair.
Figure 1.Space for a companion.

01Short answer

Turkish hospitals usually allow one close person to stay with the patient, called a refakatçi; rules and permission depend on the hospital. On haematology and transplant wards visits are limited because of infection risk, and flowers and home-cooked food are often not allowed. Every hospital has a patient rights unit.

02Simple explanation

Refakatçi: a close person who stays with you.

Visits: often limited.

Hasta Hakları Birimi: for complaints.

03Scientific explanation

Infection: the NCI says handwashing is the main way to prevent infection during chemotherapy.

Comfort: the NCI notes that a routine and familiar things help in hospital.

04What happens in the body?

The companion

Choose one person; they must be well, wash their hands and follow the rules.

Hygiene

Everyone entering cleans their hands; anyone ill stays away.

On a dark navy background, a sanitiser dispenser by a door.
Figure 2.Hand hygiene — Türkiye: Life in hospital

Daily life

A book, music, a tablet, comfortable clothes: whatever the hospital allows.

On a dark navy background, a tea glass, a book and a plant by a window.
Figure 3.Everyday comfort — Türkiye: Life in hospital

05Days in hospital

From admission to discharge.

Admission — Documents and belongings.1AdmissionDocuments and belongings.
Routine — Tests and ward rounds.2RoutineTests and ward rounds.
Protection — Hygiene rules.3ProtectionHygiene rules.
Discharge — A home plan.4DischargeA home plan.
ComfortA loved one nearby.
SafetyLower infection risk.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The companionChoose one person; they must be well, wash their hands and follow the rules.
HygieneEveryone entering cleans their hands; anyone ill stays away.
Daily lifeA book, music, a tablet, comfortable clothes: whatever the hospital allows.

07Key terms

Refakatçi
Companion.
Vizit
Ward round.
Ziyaretçi
Visitor.
Taburcu
Discharge.

08Key points

  • Choose one companion.
  • Keep hands clean.
  • No flowers.
  • Ask about food.
  • Write down questions.

09Frequently asked questions

Does a companion cost money?

It depends on the hospital and insurance; ask on admission.

Can children visit?

Often limited on haematology wards; ask the ward.

Can I bring food from home?

Usually not; talk to the nurse and dietitian.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does a companion cost money?

  2. Can children visit?

  3. Can I bring food from home?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
  2. Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (Türkiye). Hasta Hakları Yönetmeliği, Resmî Gazete 01.08.1998, No. 23420 (in Turkish)
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization (WHO). Hand hygiene
  5. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University. R.M. Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation (in Russian)
  6. Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Order No. 875n of 2018: procedure for care requiring bone marrow and stem cell transplantation (in Russian)
  7. Ukrainian Center for Transplant Coordination. Bone marrow transplantation (in Ukrainian)
  8. Tartu University Hospital. Stem cell transplantation centre (in Estonian)
  9. North Estonia Medical Centre. Hematology Centre (in Estonian)
  10. Jauns.lv (LETA). More than 300 people helped since bone marrow transplants began in Latvia, 2020 (in Latvian)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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