Wiregrass Medical Center believes that visitors are a positive influence in the care of our patients, and are an important part of the therapy in returning the patient to an optimal level of health.
-
Visiting Hours
In order to provide periods of rest and quiet for the patients' health, Wiregrass Medical Center has designated visiting hours and number of visitors. The designated hours are from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm daily. Each patient is allowed two (2) visitors at a time. -
Exceptions
There are three (3) exceptions to the above visiting policy:
1. All surgical patients will be allowed two (2) visitors before their surgery.
2. Visitors of ICU patients will be allowed to wait in the ICU waiting area on a 24 hour basis.
3. Chaplains /Ministers are permitted 24 hour access at the request of the patient and/or family. -
Overnight Stays
There are times when a family member may wish to stay with a patient. If a family member feels the need to stay, speak with a nurse to discuss arrangements. -
Chaplin Service
In order to provide for patients' spiritual needs, Wiregrass Medical Center has an organized Chaplin service with an on-call Chaplin. To access the on-call Chaplin simply ask a nurse.
Telephones
Each patient has a private telephone number so family and
friends can call the patient directly. Although patients can make
outgoing calls anytime, incoming calls to patient rooms are blocked from 9
p.m. - 7 a.m. and at any other time that the patient arranges phone
blocking. For assistance with long distance calls, please dial "0" for our
operator.
Television
Every room is equipped with cable television. A cable guide is
provided in the patient packet of information obtained upon admission to our
facility.
Mail and Flowers
Patient mail is delivered to patient rooms daily. Flowers are
delivered to the room by the florist.
Gift Shop
Our gift shop is operated by the Wiregrass Medical Center
Auxiliary and is conveniently located in the main lobby. The Gift
Shop can be reached at extension # 5043.
Lost and Found
Anyone who has misplaced any personal items, please
notify a nurse as soon as possible.
Waiting Areas
Comfortable waiting areas are located throughout the hospital.
Please ask for the location of the nearest waiting area.
Prayer Room
Our prayer room is located near the
surgical waiting area. Please ask for assistance if needed.
Newspapers
Both the Dothan Eagle and the Geneva County Reaper are
available for purchase in the front of the facility near the outpatient
entrance.
Vending Machines
Snacks and sodas are available in vending machines located
near Cafe' Med and at the corner of the 500 Hall.
Dining
Wiregrass Medical Center has a Cafe' that is available for visitors. Cafe' Med is located
between the Hospital and Nursing Home. It is open 7 days a week from
6:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meal times/choices are outlined below:
-
Breakfast
A hot breakfast buffet and grill is available from 6:00 - 9:30 a.m. -
Lunch
A hot lunch buffet and grill is available from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. -
Dinner
Cafe Med is closed, however 2 vending areas with snacks are available 24 / 7.
Guest Trays
If a family member is required to stay with a patient, a guest tray
may be requested. The guest and patient trays are served together when the
patient receives their meal. To make arrangements
please see a nurse for information.
Your physician may give you special instructions depending on whether you will undergo surgery or another type of procedure. Please follow these important instructions. Check with your physician for pre-op guidelines. Although these guidelines vary, some general advisories may be as follows:
-
Eating and Drinking
For your safety, unless instructed differently by your surgeon, do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum, hard candy) after midnight prior to your scheduled procedure. This is essential in preventing vomiting during and after anesthesia. Your surgery or procedure may be cancelled if this guideline is violated. -
Medications
Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking. This includes all prescription medications, routinely used over-the-counter medications, and any herbal/nutritional supplements. Please do not bring your medications with you. Your physician will prescribe your medications during your hospitalization. -
Smoking
As a facility committed to life, health, and well being, Wiregrass Medical Center recognizes the risk to health caused by smoking, and do not allow smoking within any building on our campus. If you are a smoker, we strongly recommended that you quit smoking for your own health. -
Transportation
Before your surgery/procedure, be sure you know the date and time you are expected to arrive at Wiregrass Medical Center. In preparing for hospitalization, it is easy to overlook this important fact. You will also need to determine whether someone should accompany you to the hospital and home. If you are scheduled for same-day surgery, you may receive sedation or pain medication that will render you unable to drive or to travel alone. -
What time should you arrive for surgery?
Please consult with the physician/surgeon for hospital arrival/surgery time.
For your
comfort
In keeping with Wiregrass Medical Center's
role as a healing environment, an important of our service is
providing assistance needed during your stay with us.
Special Needs and
Requests
Your nurse will assist you will any questions and special
needs. Please feel free to discuss any needs that you
may have with him/her.
Foreign Language translation is available. Please let your nurse know if you need this service.
If you are the
patient:
For ambulatory (same-day) surgery, a
medical procedure, or for a longer stay, we advise you to:
-
Wear loose fitting clothes.
-
Bring your eye-glasses, hearing aid, or other assistive device if it will make you feel more comfortable. You will be asked to remove your contact lenses prior to your surgery.
-
Bring toiletries if you will be staying overnight.
If your child is the
patient:
Hospitals can intimidate children (and their parents). It is normal for
children (and sometimes adults) to be afraid and anxious. The following
may help make your child's hospital stay less
stressful:
ASK: We encourage you and your child to
ask questions at any time.
LISTEN and
TALK: Listen to your child. Give your child permission to
ask questions, to cry, and to talk about feelings. Let your child know it
is okay to be afraid and to say something hurts. Share your feelings too.
Keep your child and family members up to date about what is happening.
Information helps create peace of mind. A member of the healthcare
team is always nearby to help.
Things to bring:
-
Toys, games, books, audio or videotapes, and photographs.
-
A favorite stuffed animal or blanket.
-
Glasses, hearing aids, crutches, braces, corrective shoes, or other orthopedic aids.
-
A list of medications your child is taking.
-
Schoolwork, if appropriate.