Patient information

Both private and semi-private rooms are available, and we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences. Alternate arrangements may be necessary due to availability. Regardless of what type of accommodations you receive, you will be provided the same level of service.

Children 12 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children must also be reported to the nurses' station before entering a patient's room. Children will not be allowed to visit anyone in isolation without permission from the nursing staff.

We are dedicated to being prepared in the event of a fire, disaster or community crisis. Throughout the year, we practice preparedness drills and exercises so our patients and staff can remain safe if unforeseen circumstances arise. We will keep you informed of all drills and, of course, if there is a real emergency.

If you have a clinical or ethical concern, you may express it to any staff member or hospital management, including the Director of Quality, department directors, nursing supervisors or hospital administration. If any patient, visitor or employee believes discrimination has occurred, they should contact the director of risk management at extension *41382.

All employees and volunteers hold an identification badge that shows their first name and department. Personnel are required to wear this badge so that you know the people that are caring for you. If you do not see a staff member's badge, please ask them to show it to you or mention it to your nurse.

We offer a wide variety of menu choices to satisfy all food preferences. The day before your food is served, you can mark the items you would like from our various menus. A volunteer or dietary representative will then collect the completed menus. You may also give your competed menu to nursing staff. Clear liquid, full liquid, dysphagia and puree diets are nonselective. However, a dietitian can help with food preferences. If you are on a specialized diet, the menu selections are monitored to meet the doctor's prescription for you.

Snacks are available, including tea, coffee, juice, milk and ice cream and crackers, but a dietary representative or nursing staff member can help if you would like to have a more substantial snack. You may request a visit by the dietitian if you have any questions about the meals or your prescription diet. Vending areas are also available for your convenience just outside the cafeteria on the first floor.

Cafeteria

Our cafeteria is located on the first floor, with individually priced food items available. It remains open Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends and major holidays. Lunch is available from 11:00am to 2:00pm, while dinner is available from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.

If you have a visitor coming to see you, please be aware of the following guidelines:

• Adults may have two visitors at a time
• Emergency room patients may have two adult visitors at a time
• Labor and delivery patients may have two labor partners
• Hospice patients are allowed visitation at all times
• Patients having surgery may have visitors as early as 7:00 am on the day of surgery

If you need information on living a healthy life, as well as other resources for health and wellness, our blog and website can service as a guide. These services provide access to helpful tools, such as health assessments and classes.

Your minister is welcomed and encouraged to visit you. If you do not have a local minister and wish to be visited by a chaplain, please dial "00" for the operator to arrange a pastoral visit from a volunteer chaplain. Hospital chaplains represent various denominations from churches in the area, volunteering their services on an on-call basis.

The hospital chapel is located on the first floor in the main lobby. You are welcome to enjoy the serenity of this room for private meditation.

We provide both day and overnight parking for our patients. If you come into our emergency department and are then admitted to the hospital, please let our security department know where you have parked.

For your convenience, we also offer free valet parking. The valet is just outside the hospital's first floor main entrance, on the west side of the building, off Alaska Regional Drive. No gratuity is required. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:30am until 5:00pm. If you wish to pick up your car outside of normal hours, your keys will be with our private branch exchange (PBX) operator in the emergency department admitting area. You must present your claim ticket to receive your keys.

We invite you to bring a few personal items to make your stay more comfortable. A bathrobe, slippers, nightgown, pajamas or toiletry articles are all accepted.

However, we strongly urge you to either leave your valuables at home or send them home with a family member. If that is not possible, you may deposit items in our hospital safe. Dentures, removable bridges, contact lenses, eyeglasses and cell phones should be stored in protective containers marked with your name. Items should be placed in your bedside cabinet when not in use. We cannot be held responsible for the loss or breakage of items, or for money, valuables, jewelry, cell phones or other articles kept in your room.

Your safety and security are of primary importance to us. If an emergency arises, please call your nurse and ask for help, rather than attempting to do something that may cause an accidental strain or fall. Sometimes it may be necessary to raise the side rails on your bed for your protection. Do not try to lower them without assistance from your nurse. Should you have an accident, please contact a caregiver immediately.

We provide 24/7 security, so if you have any serious issues or concerns, please ask your nurse to put you in touch with a security officer.

We are a tobacco-free facility and campus, so tobacco use is prohibited everywhere, including the parking lots. If you are interested in quitting smoking, we encourage you to call Alaska's Tobacco Quit Line at (888) 842-7848.

It takes a sizeable, hard-working team to make a hospital run. While it's easy to strictly focus on your direct interactions with physicians and nurses, the behind-the-scenes staff in dietary, housekeeping, engineering, and information services all play key roles in ensuring you have the best possible hospital experience. Though they receive no pay beyond the satisfaction of helping others, our volunteers are also an invaluable part of the hospital team.

Nursing care

Registered nurses coordinate and direct your nursing care during your stay, working closely with your physician at every step. In addition to administering medication and treatment, they will observe your condition and keep a record of your progress. Registered nurses may be assisted by licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and unit clerks who work together to meet your needs.

Physician care

Your physician is ultimately in charge of your admission and discharge. They will make the necessary arrangements for laboratory tests, medications, diets and other special treatments. Your physician is not an employee of the hospital, and the bill for their services will be sent to you separately. Likewise, the professional fees for anesthesiology, pathology and radiology will also be billed separately.

During your stay, we invite you to to use our wireless, high-speed internet to browse and check your email at your leisure.

To make an outside call, dial “907” and enter your desired number. Long distance calls can be made via the operator by dialing "00". Pay telephones are located throughout the hospital. Please ask your nurse for their locations.

You are able to nominate a nurse that you feel delivered exceptionally compassionate and quality care. The DAISY award invites you to celebrate our nurses, and is given to those that go above and beyond to deliver the highest levels of service.

When staying with us, please send personal medications home or give them to nursing station personnel. All medications must be dispensed by the hospital pharmacist to ensure you receive the proper medication at the right time. This is also to ensure there are no conflicts in the medicines you are taking.

Be sure to let us know about:

• Allergies to food or adverse reactions to medications
• Concerns or questions about your medications
• Natural remedies, or alternative medications, you are using, including herbal products
• Over-the-counter medications you are using, or commonly use, for pain, headaches, cough and cold, and other ailments
• Prescription medications you are taking
• Use of recreational drugs, if any
• Your diet, including common foods and beverages

Before receiving a medication, treatment, or any other service, be sure the armband with your name and information can be checked.

The questions you should ask before receiving medications, include:

• What is the name of this medication?
• Is this the brand name or the generic name?
• What is this medication for?
• What are the possible side effects?
• Is there anything I can read about this medication?
• How much should I get, and how often?
• Will this be replacing anything I was taking before I came in?

If you have any other questions, or are unsure about the dose or appearance of the new medication you've been given, please ask.

The hospital's Discharge Planning Department and your physician determine when you are ready to be discharged. This team's job is to ensure that you receive the appropriate level of medical care, and that you are not discharged until you are medically ready to leave. This benefits you, not only in terms of how long you are in the hospital, but also with regards to what services you receive. It helps ensure that you are charged only for the services you truly need. Soon after your admission, a patient care coordinator will visit you to discuss possible needs for care after discharge.

Prior to discharge, your physician will write an order on your medical record and discuss your release and follow-up treatment. Your nurse will give you a written copy of any instructions you may need and will thoroughly explain them to you. We encourage you to ask a family member or friend to arrive early when you are ready to be picked up. You will be escorted to the main entrance by hospital personnel or a volunteer.

Before leaving your room, check the closets and drawers to be sure that no personal items are left behind, and reclaim any valuables stored in the hospital safe.

As a patient with us, we want to provide you with as many resources, information and admitting procedures as possible. These include:

• CaringBridge
• Case management and social services
• Patient safety
• Speaking up about your care
• Therapy dog program