Visitor Information

• The public waiting areas are the family waiting room, the lobby, the cafeteria and the outside tables. We request that you do not enter any other areas including the linen rooms, the pantries or other patient rooms.
• Color television sets with remote controls are located in each patient room. Please be aware of the volume when using the TV.
• Local phone calls may be placed from your room at no charge by dialing 9 and the number. Dial 0 to obtain assistance in placing long distance calls. Long distance calls must be collect or charged to a telephone card or third party. Incoming calls are received between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Social Services or the nursing supervisor can arrange to have a minister, priest, or rabbi visit you at your request.
• The hospital staff would like to make your stay as comfortable as possible. However, if you have unresolved conflicts or complaints, please contact the nursing supervisor or Social Services for appropriate follow-up.

Patient Visitation Policy

Our hospital visitation hours are from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. While it is not recommended, children are welcome to visit when accompanied by a parent/guardian. At the discretion of the nursing staff, we reserve the right to limit visitors to two at a time.

Rest is an important part of treatment. Guests are welcome, but we ask that you respect the needs of all our patients. In most cases, we ask that children not visit because they may be contagious with diseases that could be given to your loved one. Families may visit the ICU at the discretion of the nurse. There may be instances where guests will be asked to leave the room to allow implementation of patient care.

Smoking

No smoking is permitted within the hospital. Smoking is only allowed in the designated space, which is located in the area immediately east of the hospital building.

Parking and Security

Parking is available in the main parking area 24 hours a day. The spaces reserved for physicians are labeled. Please lock your car and do not leave any valuables in your car that would encourage theft. Security guards are on duty from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

Infection Control

Most germs are spread by direct contact. Caregivers and visitors should wear gloves if there is any chance they may be touching body substances. Vigorously wash hands for 15-20 seconds after providing care and upon entering and leaving the room.

Also, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Don’t forget to wash your hands! In some cases, visitors and hospital staff will need to wear masks, gowns and gloves in the patient room. If this special precaution is needed, a sign will be placed on the door. Sometimes a private room is needed to stop the spread of certain germs.

Bringing items to the facility

During your stay, you will need only a few personal items and we strongly suggest that you leave all valuables at home, such as jewelry, money and credit cards. If this is not possible, you may deposit such items in the hospital safe. Under no circumstances will the hospital be responsible for money or valuables kept in your room.

For reasons of electrical safety, personal electrical appliances (shavers, hairdryers, radios, etc.) must be reported and checked for safety by the electrical engineering department prior to use. Please label these items with your name and address.

You may bring personal toiletries and items such as:

• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Robe and/or slippers
• Books, magazines, needlework, etc.

Bring your contact lenses/glasses or dentures in appropriately labeled storage containers. Never place your personal items in tissues or paper towels, which may be mistakenly discarded. You will receive any medications you need from the hospital pharmacy. Please leave your medications at home. The hospital is not responsible for breakage or loss of such articles.

Mail and flowers will be delivered to the room. Mail received after the patient has been discharged will be returned to sender. The ICU does not allow arrangements of flowers. Do not ask family members to bring food unless your physician approves.

Dealing with an illness and being away from home can be emotionally demanding. Whether your loved one can respond to you or not, you can help keep their spirits up.

Family Visits

There is no substitute for the presence of loved ones. We encourage family visits as often as possible in accordance with our visitation policy.

Communication

Share family news. Discuss events at home. Allow your family member to give input, when possible, on some decisions at home.

Touch

Frequent hugs, kisses, caresses or handholding are essential to the human spirit – keep isolation precautions in mind, however.You can bring clothing from home. You would be amazed at how much better a patient feels wearing personal items. To determine what type of clothing items to bring, ask your nurse. Bring in family pictures and display pictures and letters in easily viewed locations. Surround loved ones with any personal items that have meant a lot. Bring in books, newspapers and games they enjoy.

Local Accommodations

Hotels

La Quinta Inn Tampa
4730 West Spruce St.
Tampa, FL
(813) 287-0440

Holiday Inn Express
4750 N Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL
(877) 863-4780

Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore
5303 Kennedy Blvd W.
Tampa, FL
1-877-270-1393

Restaurants

Kentucky Fried Chicken
4302 Armenia Ave North
Tampa, FL

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
3920 West Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL

TGI Fridays
3663 West Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL