Whether you're planning a stay as a patient or visiting a friend or family member, the more you know about Henry Medical Center, the better prepared you will become.
Your Healthcare Team
Your healthcare team is made up of physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists and assistants. Each team member is committed to meeting your healthcare needs and providing the finest care available. Your physician will assess your medical needs and then order appropriate tests, procedures, therapies or medications. You are assigned a nurse for each shift who is responsible for your care and ensures that your physicians' orders are carried out properly. Other team members will get you to appointments on time, help you with eating and walking, provide special therapies to speed your recovery, and monitor and ensure your safety and comfort. If you have questions or concerns during your stay, please share these with your nurse.
Safety and Security
For your safety, all Henry Medical Center employees wear identification badges that include the person's name, photo and department. If you're not sure who someone is, ask him or her to show you his or her badge.
If you need assistance from a hospital security officer, ask any hospital staff person to contact one for you. A security officer is available during the evening and night hours for escorts to the parking lots.
Your Valuables
Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for valuable personal items kept in your hospital room. We suggest that you leave jewelry, credit cards, money, unnecessary clothing, and other valuables at home.
Medication
For your protection, the medications you receive will be prescribed by your doctor and will be prepared and administered by hospital personnel. Please do not bring or take medication from home while you are in the hospital unless requested to do so. Be sure to ask your doctor about regular medications you take at home.
Smoking
Henry Medical Center is a smoke-free facility. Tobacco products are not sold on hospital grounds and smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises except in specially designated outside areas. Visitors should ask a hospital employee for directions to the nearest outdoor smoking entrance.
Visiting Hours
Patient visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Critical Care — Immediate family members (no children under the age of 12) may visit in 30 minute intervals during the even hours.
Public entrances will be locked at 10:00 p.m. each day and reopen at 5:30 a.m. This includes all entrances in the hospital with the exception of the Emergency Department where patients may enter for emergency attention.
Cellular Phones
Cellular phones are prohibited in the hospital due to the fact that the phones can disturb medical equipment within the hospital.
Patient Education
We know that an educated patient is the most important member of the healthcare team. During your hospital stay, your healthcare providers will offer information about your diseases, medications, procedures and/or post-hospital care.
You may be interested in information in the form of:
- closed-circuit TV educational programming
- computer-based patient information
- pamphlets and/or brochures
- one-on-one teaching by a healthcare professional
Your Discharge
Going home is an important event, but before you leave the hospital, your physician must write an order for your dismissal. Your physician usually writes your discharge order while making rounds. The nurse responsible for your care will be notified of your dismissal when your chart is returned to the nursing station. Please ask your nurse about the procedure and details relating to your discharge.
There may be last-minute arrangements that you need to make such as appointments, last-minute tests, prescriptions, and instructions for your care and recovery at home. Your nurse will request assistance for you when you are ready to depart. Please have someone available to take you home so that you do not leave the hospital alone.
Pain Medications
The nursing staff will be aggressive in order to make you as pain free and as comfortable as possible. If you are not experiencing relief with your current medication, let the nursing staff know and we will work with you and your physician to gain optimal pain relief for you.
Pastoral Services
The hospital offers a Pastoral Care Department for those patients who are interested in this service. If you or your family members wish to speak with Pastoral Care or have them contact you, please let us know your wishes. If you would like your minister or priest contacted, we will do this for you at your request.
Advance Directives
During the course of your treatment at Henry Medical Center, circumstances may arise that present ethical dilemmas to you, your family or your doctor. Advanced medical technology sometimes creates complex ethical choices, such as deciding about life-sustaining treatment or interpreting a living will. You and your family may want to discuss the implications of pursuing certain treatments. Or, if you may be unable to take part in your healthcare decision-making, your family may find it difficult to make these decisions on your behalf. In such cases, a nursing supervisor or patient representative will assist you in any way possible.
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