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| Patient And Visitor Information Site A Complete Resource of Patient Information Main Information Line: (865) 541-1111
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Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a member of Covenant Health. Covenant Health is an integrated healthcare delivery system headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Its services include acute care hospitals, outpatient facilities, specialized care in areas such as cancer and rehabilitation, behavioral health organizations, physician clinics, home care and a school of nursing. Covenant Health includes approximately 1,500 licensed beds, approximately 8,000 employees and about 1,000 affiliated physicians. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a member of the International Hospital Federation, the American Hospital Association, the Southeastern Hospital Conference, the Tennessee Hospital Association, the Knoxville Area Hospital Council, the American Association of Blood Banks and VHA. It is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Public Health. Your admission to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has been arranged by your physician. Your room assignment has been determined by the type of medical care you require, your doctor's orders, and the availability of rooms. At times during your stay, it may become necessary for you to transfer to another floor or room in order to receive the specialized care and attention you need.
Operating Hours: An advance directive is a documented decision made by an individual in advance clearly describing the level of care desired in the event of irreversible or terminal illness. A patient's desires can be expressed in a Directive to Physician (Living Will) or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. You should discuss with your family and doctors what you want to do in such cases and be sure to provide them copies of any directive you choose.
Fort Sanders as a healthcare provider is obligated to provide you information regarding your rights to make decisions concerning healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment, even if that treatment is life sustaining. The Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare forms are available to you by contacting the following departments: Social Services - extension 1209; Patient Representative - extension 1611; Pastoral Services - extension 1234; Nursing Supervision-extension 0 (after 5 p.m.).
An automated teller machine is located on the lobby level across from the West Wing/Blue elevators. If you need help for any reason, push the nurse-call button and our nursing staff will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible. When you are on medication, particularly sedatives, or if you feel faint, please signal for help. Do not attempt any action or movement that could result in injury. Please do not lower the side rails on your bed; they have been provided for your protection. Call for assistance if you need them lowered for any reason. Care Coordinators are registered nurses who are working to pull together all members of the healthcare team; pharmacists, dietitians, staff nurses, social workers, physicians, etc. around your needs. They can enhance communication, problem solve with you about family or discharge issues, help to remove barriers to our providing top quality care, reduce delays in service, and assist in making sure that you receive the necessary education about your health related requirements. The care coordinator will be a link with your payer by relaying pertinent clinical information to ensure that you receive the appropriate care that you need, in the appropriate setting. To find out the name and telephone number of your care coordinator, ask the charge nurse in your clinical area, or call the hospital operator. Cellular phones can interfere with certain types of medical equipment. For our patients' safety, the hospital requires all cellular phones be placed in the "Off" position before entering the hospital. Being hospitalized for any reason can be a time of anxiety and distress for patients and their loved ones. Chaplains are available to help you with your spiritual needs and to assist your family. They may be reached by asking the hospital operator to contact the hospital chaplain or the on-call chaplain anytime. The chapel is located on the lobby level near the Clinch Avenue entrance. The chapel is a quiet place for those of all faiths to meditate and pray, and is open 24 hours a day. The chaplains' office will be happy to notify your pastor, priest, rabbi or spiritual advisor of your hospital stay at your request. The following services are available on request:
Your physician determines when you are to be discharged. When discharge orders have been given to the nursing staff the necessary steps for your departure begin. To assist patients who may be waiting for bed availability, we strive to complete all patient discharges by 2 p.m. To help insure a smooth and speedy discharge:
Exits for patient pickup at discharge: A staff member will bring a wheelchair to your room and take you to the discharge area to assist you with your departure. An important goal of our hospital is to enhance patient progress and promote a healthy lifestyle. Our health professionals help you and your family gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for yourself when you return home. We are interested in providing information and support to fulfill your needs. If you need additional information, please ask your nurse. Our staff wants to make your stay as pleasant and caring as possible. Caring for people is what we do. If you have a desire to show your appreciation for a staff member or employee group who have helped make your stay with us extra special, we have several options you can choose from to help that employee receive the recognition he/she deserves.
The employees of our environmental services department plan and perform the many tasks required to keep the hospital clean, pleasant, and cheerful. Patient rooms are cleaned daily. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Courtesy cards have been placed in each room for this purpose. If you have any concerns with the condition of your room, please let your nurse know. As part of our mission to provide the highest quality of personalized patient care, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has established an Ethics Committee. Composed of representatives from our medical and nursing staffs as well as representatives from the local clergy and hospice, social services, and the community, the Ethics Committee explores and addresses ethical issues that may arise. Examples of ethical issues in a healthcare setting might include decisions involving the withholding of life support mechanisms or the perception that a physician or other caregiver did not provide appropriate care or did not use appropriate conduct. As a patient, or spouse or significant other of a patient, it is your right to bring an ethical concern to the attention of the Ethics Committee. This may be done by contacting the hospital operator. The Fellowship Center is a lodging and care center located near the hospital. It is a complex of one-bedroom apartments for outpatients and caregivers who live more than 30 miles away. You can call the Fellowship Center at extension 1725 for more information. Our financial counselors provide helpful information and answers to concerns about insurance coverage, payment arrangements, TennCare and other financial issues relating to your hospital stay. The counselors are available from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and may be reached by dialing extensions 3146 or 1538.
Vending machines are located throughout the hospital. Expanded vending areas are located on the lobby level, first floor at the Blue elevators, emergency department waiting lounge and surgery waiting lounge. Guest trays for visitors may be purchased in the cafeteria. Selections are the same as general unit patients receive, and the trays are delivered to the room at the patient's meal time. Under the leadership of its volunteer Board of Directors, Fort Sanders Foundation solicits charitable contributions to support the programs and services of Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Covenant Health. Philanthropic efforts guided by the Foundation have resulted in the establishment of the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, the Fellowship Center, and the Thompson Cancer Survival Center, as well as funding equipment needs and indigent patient care throughout the hospital. Funds donated to the Foundation may be directed to any service of Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Honorary and memorial gifts are a particularly beneficial way to pay tribute to a staff member, friend or loved one while furthering the caring mission of Fort Sanders. If you would like to know more about how your charitable gifts make a difference at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, please call the Foundation at (865) 541-1224 or visit its home page. Flowers are delivered to patient rooms by hospital volunteers each weekday. Located on the lobby level of the hospital, the gift shop offers a wide selection of personal hygiene items, newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, flowers, candy and a variety of gift items.
Gift shop hours: For the safety of your baby:
Fort Sanders Health Information Center is located on the hospital campus. Health information specialists are available from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday, to assist you with physician referral, community speakers, and general community health services information. If you have any questions concerning these or any other services which Fort Sanders offers, call 673-FORT(3678).
Covenant HomeCare is committed to providing the highest quality home care services to help patients maintain their independence and stay at home. Covenant HomeCare offers comprehensive home care services including skilled nursing, certified nursing assistants, rehabilitation services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy), medical social services, and mental health services. Covenant HomeCare Hospice provides support and care for terminally ill patients so that they may live as fully and as comfortably as possible. Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end of life, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient and family's needs and wishes. The focus is on caring, not curing, and in most cases care is provided in the patient's home or in a home-like setting. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with branch offices in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Morristown. For more information about Covenant HomeCare and Hospice, call (865) 374-0600. Home care and hospice services are provided based on orders received from the patient's physician. The hospital discharge planners or home care coordinators can assist in arranging the services ordered by the physician prior to hospital discharge. The charge for your room depends on the type of accommodations provided. The charge includes the cost of your room and meals, the supplies and equipment contained within your room, housekeeping services, the services of other support personnel, and 24-hour nursing care. Other charges that may be incurred are ancillary charges and professional charges.
A hospitality cart is brought to the patient floors each weekday morning by volunteers. Patients and guests may purchase toiletries, newspaper, magazines, notions, and snacks. Area hotels near Fort Sanders have offered discount rates for families of our patients. Call the patient representative (weekdays) at (865) 541-1611 or the nursing supervisor (nights and weekends) at (865) 541-4949 for assistance and verification letter for the hotel.
If you are like most patients, you have come to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center with insurance coverage. It is to your benefit to supply all insurance coverage you have at the time of admission, including medicare supplements, spouse's policy, individual policies and other liability insurance. After the insurance has been verified and the procedure completed, a claim will be issued for the full bill. The amount the insurance company will pay is determined by the company, not the hospital. If you are covered by more than one insurance company, a claim will be processed with all companies. If there is an overpayment, a refund will be made to the appropriate party within the guidelines of Tennessee law. The remainder of the bill not covered by the insurance companies is the responsibility of the patient. *NOTE: Even though the hospital files an insurance claim on your behalf, your assistance in resolving unpaid insurance claims is most appreciated. Mail is delivered to patient rooms by hospital volunteers each weekday. Mail received at the hospital after the patient's discharge will be forwarded to the patient's address. Postage stamps may be purchased in the gift shop. Newspapers are for sale at the following locations:
Should you require the services of a notary public during your hospital stay, please call the patient representative at extension 1611 or after 5:00 p.m. the nursing house supervisor by dialing "0" to schedule an appointment. Notary services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for holidays. Notaries employed by the hospital will notarize healthcare related documents in accordance with hospital policy, and they reserve the right to perform or refuse any notary service. If you choose to become an organ donor, sign an organ donor card in the presence of two witnesses. In the event of your death, your healthcare providers will know your decisions. Before you become an organ donor, be sure to discuss the decision with your family. Visitor parking is available in several commercial lots adjacent to the hospital. For the safety of our visitors, an escort to your car is available by calling security at extension 1309. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center wants you to have the best possible care as prescribed or recommended by those who are treating you. We want you to know your rights as a patient, as well as your obligations to yourself, your physician and the hospital. We encourage you or those who represent you to talk openly to those involved with your care. You have the right:
You, in turn, have the responsibility:
Maintaining patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance to our staff. When family members and friends call to inquire about a patient, they are given the condition of the patient only. Conditions are defined as follows:
If you have a problem and are not sure who can help, please call our patient representative. The patient representative and volunteer assistants are here to be of service to you and your family. They are your link to the medical center's staff and can help with many matters concerning your hospital stay. They are available to answer questions, hear suggestions and respond to your concerns. To speak with a patient representative call extension 1611, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You may leave a message after hours, or the hospital operator (dial "O") will direct your call to the appropriate person any time you have an immediate concern. Should you require the services of private nurses or sitters, you should contact your nurse. Fort Sanders Regional is concerned with your safety. To make sure your stay is a safe one, follow these suggestions:
As are all hospitals, Fort Sanders Regional is a public place. Please take precautions to safeguard your valuables while your are here. The hospital cannot be held responsible for the loss of money or other valuables kept in your room. Please do not bring valuables with you to the hospital. If possible, send them home with a family member or check your valuables with the security department before or immediately upon going to your room. Your nursing staff can arrange to have valuables checked for you. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aides and dentures should be kept in protective containers when not in use. Please do not wrap in tissue, paper towels or pieces of hospital linen. For the safety of our guests, visitors remaining after visiting hours must obtain a visitor's badge from the nursing unit or security office. After 8:30 p.m. all visitors should enter the hospital through the entrance near the emergency department, located on 19th street. The security office is located on the first floor of the East Wing, adjacent to the emergency department entrance and can be reached by calling extension 1309. Worried about being in the hospital ... separated from home and job? Do you have questions about your stay? Insurance? Follow-up care? These are all legitimate worries for someone in the hospital. Social services has a social worker assigned to each floor to assist with discharge planning, referrals to community resources, counseling and referrals for TennCare. You may ask your doctor, nurse, or therapist to make a referral to social services or you may call directly by dialing extension 1209. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing a clean, safe environment for our patients. Since smoking is a known fire hazard and due to the proven harmful effects of tobacco, and in an effort to promote health and wellness within the hospital facility, we offer a smoke-free interior environment. Smoking is permitted in two designated outside smoking areas - the Laurel Plaza patio, located directly behind the hospital and inside the parking garage along Laurel Avenue. To preserve the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and employees, smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of any entrance to the hospital. The hospital will furnish nicotine patches free of charge to those patients needing assistance with nicotine withdrawal.
Fort Sanders Regional provides local cable television programming. You will be able to watch most of the channels you may already be familiar with at home, and more! If you experience any difficulty with your television, please inform your nurse so they may notify our in-house television staff. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center's primary concern is for the welfare and speedy recovery of our patients. To this end, we ask that guests exercise special courtesy and sensitivity in scheduling visits. General visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Some patients and special care areas, however, do have restricted visiting hours. We thank you for your cooperation in observing this schedule and any other visiting restrictions posted in the interest of individual patients. Visiting Hours in Special Care Areas Patients in critical care are very ill and have an increased need for rest so they can heal and recuperate. Special guidelines for visitation to these areas are:
Intensive Care Unit-East (ICE) - 2nd Floor, East Wing
10:30 -10:50 a.m. Coronary Observation Unit (COU)
10:30 a.m. - noon Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
9:15 - 10:00 a.m. The Critical Care Lounge is located on 3-West. During the day, we try not to restrict the number of family members per patient. However, if it becomes overcrowded we may ask everyone to decrease their visitors to two per patient. Please understand that we are trying to be fair to everyone if this occurs. Two visitors per patient may stay overnight in the lounge. Overnight passes may be obtained from the lounge receptionist or the nurses station. Blankets, sheets, pillows and a place to shower are available for those sleeping overnight. Phones are available for receiving calls in the lounge from outside the hospital. The phone numbers are:
(865) 541-2431 Volunteers Back to Top Fort Sanders Regional is fortunate to have a family of volunteers possessing a wide range of talents and experience. Whether they are greeting visitors, escorting patients, comforting a family in time of need or helping in the gift shop, our volunteers are known for their devotion to others. Volunteers supplement the work of our professional staff to better meet your needs. If you would like additional information on volunteer services, please dial extension 1249.
Note: Add 541 in front of numbers when calling from outside the hospital. |
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