Information for patients

Accessing Specialised Care

Oulu University Hospital provides specialised medical care for its patients. Access to specialised care is primarily via a referral from a health centre, occupational health service, or private doctor.

Referrals are processed within three weeks, after which you will receive an appointment letter. Please read the letter carefully since it contains information on when and where to come, where to check in, and how to prepare before your visit. Maps of the hospital campus and guidance on patient parking can be found in the Maps and parking section.

In urgent cases, you can receive care immediately without a referral through the Emergency Department of Oulu University Hospital. See instructions for seeking emergency care:

OYS Emergency Services

Interpretation services for customers

As a customer of social and healthcare services, you have the right to receive services in your own mother tongue if you are unable to communicate in Finnish. During treatment, it is important that you understand everything that is explained to you. If there is no common language, or if you have a sensory or speech disability, we will arrange an interpreter whenever possible.

Please indicate your interpretation needs when booking an appointment.

The interpreter is bound by confidentiality and acts solely as an interpreter. The interpreter will not give advice, assist with other matters, or contact you before or after the interpretation.

Customer fees

For information on customer payments, bills and service vouchers, please visit the website of the Wellbeing County of North Ostrobothnia.

Customer fees and service vouchers (Pohde.fi)

International patient billing

If you are an international patient and have questions about your bill from Oulu University Hospital, please contact our Patient Billing Unit. The telephone service is available Monday to Thursday, 9:00–14:30.

040 177 9913

invoicing@pohde.fi

If you need to cancel your appointment

If the appointment you have booked is not suitable for you, please inform the hospital as soon as possible. This allows the original appointment to be offered to another patient. If you do not cancel your appointment, a cancellation fee will be charged in accordance with the regulations.

Having an infectious disease, cold, cough, or fever usually prevents you from undergoing surgery or certain specialised examinations. In such cases, please cancel your appointment.

During your hospital stay

You will receive arrival instructions in your appointment letter. The letter will tell you when and where to come, and where to check in. You can find information about the hospital buildings and locations of parking facilities on the hospital maps.

Digital OYS Map

Printable OYS Campus Map

It is a good idea to prepare in advance for your arrival at the hospital. Bring the items mentioned in the appointment letter to the hospital with you. Please note that while you are in hospital, you are responsible for the items you take with you.

Items to take with you when coming to the hospital:

Appointment letter
Kela-card
A child health clinic card for children under school age
Maternity card for pregnant women
Accident and occupational disease insurance information
Up-to-date list of medicines and pharmaceutical products
Medicines in use (e.g. asthma sprays, eye drops, insulin pens)
Information on allergies and diet
Contact details of next of kin
Personal aids
Personal hygiene equipment on arrival at the ward
Indoor shoes

An escort may accompany you, and staff will provide instructions on their role during your stay.

In most wards, there is limited storage space for your personal items. Large sums of money, jewellery and valuables should be left at home, as the hospital is not responsible for their safekeeping. If you are unwell or ill and unable to look after your belongings, the staff will take care of them.

As a university hospital providing specialised care throughout northern Finland, we serve a large patient population and are responsible for the treatment of many acute and life-threatening conditions in the region. One of our fundamental practices is that patients requiring urgent care are treated first, which can lead to changes in schedules. Please note that you should always reserve enough time when you arrive at the hospital.

Oulu University Hospital is a teaching hospital. To ensure that we have competent healthcare professionals in the future, medical and nursing students follow and participate in care and research events. If you wish, you can request that a student is not present.

Phone use is permitted in most parts of the hospital. Oulu University Hospital has a wireless guest network. For security reasons, the use of mobile devices is prohibited in certain units. During examinations and admissions, it is recommended that you keep your phone in silent mode. In wards, phone use should be considerate of other patients.

We are a smoke-free hospital. We do not sell tobacco products and smoking is only allowed in designated areas outside. Patients have access to nicotine replacement therapy while in hospital. The import and consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances is prohibited.

Before leaving the hospital, the staff will discuss your discharge, follow-up care instructions, and any necessary follow-up appointments. You will also be informed about who to contact if needed. Please let the staff know as early as possible if you have any concerns about managing at home. Make sure to tell them which certificates or other documents you will need.

You can also discuss your travel arrangements with the staff. If your condition requires transport other than public transport, you will receive a certificate.

Patient Accomodation Near the Hospital

If you are traveling from a long distance and your condition does not require staying in a hospital ward, you and your relative can stay at a patient accommodation near the hospital – the OYS Patient Home. Please book as soon as possible after receiving your appointment letter. Accommodation cannot be provided without a prior reservation.

The Patient Home is primarily intended for patients attending treatment or examinations. If rooms are available, up to two relatives per patient may also be accommodated.

At times, the accommodation can be fully booked. Cancellations due to changes in your treatment plan are free of charge. Please note that there is no medical staff on-site, so staying at the Patient Home is at your own risk.

For more information, instructions and contact information:

OYS Patient Home

For visitors

Visits and contact from relatives are important for patients. For information on visiting hours, please contact the unit directly.

For safety reasons, the hospital premises are closed to visitors between 19:00 and 07:00 unless prior arrangements have been made with the staff. Visitors with infectious illnesses should not come to the hospital.

We recommend that no more than 1–2 visitors are present per patient at a time. Visits are generally avoided on the day of the patient’s operation.

If you are unsure which ward your relative is in, please contact our customer service for assistance. We kindly ask relatives to coordinate among themselves who will contact the hospital regarding the patient’s condition and discharge.

Lost and found

Lost items found in the hospital can be requested at the information desk located in the entrance hall of building A.

OYS A-building infodesk, tel. 040 318 6203

Biobank Borealis

Biobanks collect samples from individuals who have voluntarily given their consent. These samples and related data can be used for scientific research.

The Northern Finland Biobank Borealis supports research that promotes public health and well-being, as well as the development of medical products and healthcare practices. Our research focuses on improving population health, identifying factors that influence disease mechanisms, and preventing illnesses.

Biobank Borealis

Customer service and guidance

If you need assistance, general advice about our services or if you are inquiring about a patient, please contact our customer service. You can request service in English. The customer service is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CUSTOMER SERVICE 08 669 9600