Visitors' Guide

Patient Satisfaction

Our patients' responses to our patient satisfaction survey consistently rate us above the 90th percentile when compared to other hospitals, large and small, in a national database. VWCH employees strive to provide very good care and services with attitude of caring. Working as a team to make your stay easier, we listen to your concerns, find solutions, provide explanations, include you in your care plan, respect your privacy and follow your doctor's orders. If you are not able to rate a service as very good, If we haven't earned a “5, ” please let any staff member know so we can immediately address your concern.

After discharge, a satisfaction survey may be sent to the address on the record. Please take time to evaluate the services you received. We welcome your comments and suggestions for improvement. The more information you provide, the more completely we can follow-up on your concerns. The survey is also an excellent way to compliment staff and mention them by name.

Pastoral Services

Total patient care focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each patient. Your own minister, priest, rabbi or spiritual support person of your choosing is a welcome member of the care-giving team. If you are unable, the hospital caregiver will contact them for you. Because our patients are frequently here for only a short time, we encourage patients to contact their pastors in advance of a scheduled admission. Clergy may visit at any time.

The hospital Chapel is located around the corner from the Main Lobby and is open to patients and visitors at all times.

Visiting Hours

Because we believe family, friends, and significant others contribute a great deal to an individual's ability to cope with illness or injury and aid in the recovery process, general hospital visiting hours are unrestricted during the day. However, we ask all visitors to leave by 8:30 p.m. to allow adequate rest for our patients and to provide for a quiet atmosphere for patients to recuperate. If visitors wish to stay after visiting hours, please obtain permission from the nurse.

General Visiting: 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Obstetrics & Gynecology, Birthing Center: 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
No visitors under 12 are allowed except for the newborn's siblings. Visitors are encouraged to wait three to four hours until the patient is recovered from the delivery to visit the new parents. All visitors must sign in and out at the nurses' station.

Intensive Care Unit

Please limit visitors to two at a time. If your family member has been admitted to the ICU (rooms 171-74), we ask that only immediate family visit and that you stop by the nurses station before visiting. Due to the specialized nature of this unit, we ask that there be no visitors under 14 without special permission.

Child Visitors

We understand the importance of relationships with children and the role they play in the healing process. However, due to children's decreased immunities, limited attention spans, and safety issues in a hospital, staff will use discretion in allowing visitation of children under 12. Check with a nurse on the unit for further clarification.

Visiting Regulations

The following are general guidelines for visitors.

• Individuals who have colds, sore throats, or any contagious diseases should not visit patients.
• It is suggested that only two visitors be with a patient at the same time.
• Visitors should speak quietly and avoid unnecessary noise.
• Visitors in semi-private rooms should be considerate of both patients.
• Visitors may be asked to leave the room at the staff's discretion.
• Visitors must wear shirts and shoes.
• Smoking is not allowed in any portion of the hospital or under the roof areas outside the hospital.
• Lounges for visitors are located throughout the hospital.
• To provide the optimum therapeutic environment, healthcare providers reserve the right to limit a patient's visitors.
• The Charge Nurse may extend visitation privileges on a case-by-case basis for visitors who arrived during normal visitation hours and who may want to remain overnight or extend their visit. For security reasons, a list will be made of all visitors remaining in the building after hours.

Volunteer Services

If patients would like an errand run, within the hospital, a letter written, someone to talk to, a book, magazine, or a gift shop item, contact the volunteers at the reception desk at (815) 786-8484, Ext. 253210.

Mail and Flowers

Volunteers will deliver mail, flowers, and messages to nurses to be given to patients. Mail received after discharge will be forwarded to their home address.

Newspapers, Books, & Magazines

Complimentary newspapers are available. Magazines and books are available through the Volunteer Office or may be purchased in the Gift Shop. Call the volunteers at the reception desk at (815) 786-8484, Ext. 253210 for assistance.

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop, operated by the VWCH Auxiliary, is located in the main lobby. The hours are as follows:

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.