FOR OUR PATIENTS
YOUR STAY AT A GLANCE
1 . You are our partner . We want to work with you and your family to provide an exceptional experience and achieve the best outcome . We encourage you and your family to participate in your care plan , so please feel free to ask questions , take notes , and speak up if something is unclear . And remember , you have rights as a patient .
2 . If you need immediate attention . Certain symptoms can signal a life-threatening infection or medical emergency . If you or your family notices a change in your condition , talk to your nurse right away or dial 5-6000 on your room phone to activate Condition- HELP , which notifies our Rapid-Response Emergency Team .
UAB Medicine has specific rapid responses that prompt your health care providers to administer treatments quickly to minimize harm caused by sepsis , stroke , or a heart attack .
• Symptoms such as fever , chills , difficulty breathing , low blood pressure , fast heart rate , and confusion could indicate sepsis , a serious infection in your body .
• The sudden onset of severe headache with nausea or vomiting , vision problems , dizziness , trouble speaking or understanding , as well as paralysis or numbness of the face , arm , or leg , could indicate a stroke .
• Symptoms of a heart attack can include tightness or pain in the chest , neck , back , or arms ; fatigue ; lightheadedness ; and anxiety .
If you or your family notices any of the symptoms listed above , let your health care providers know as soon as possible , because immediate treatment can minimize harm or even save your life . You have a voice , and we encourage you to be an advocate for yourself or your loved one if there is a breakdown in communication or you suspect a medical emergency .
3 . Your room . The communication board in your room will be updated daily with the names of your care team and your patient goals . Bedside rails contain controls for the bed , TV , and nurse call button . Please do not attempt to move the bed without first asking for help . If you ’ d like the room temperature adjusted , ask any member of your health care team . Please leave valuables and credit cards at home . We understand trips to the hospital are not always expected , so let us know if you need help securing any of your belongings . UAB is not responsible for personal items kept in patient rooms .
4 . Your meals . Patient meals can be ordered room service-style any time between 6:30 a . m . and 7:30 p . m . Just dial 4-MEAL ( 6325 ) from your room phone and place your order . Family members can also order for you from outside the hospital by dialing 205.934.6325 . Meals are freshly made and delivered within 45 minutes . If you are receiving insulin , notify your nurse before eating .
We are pleased to offer customized meal options and daily standard chef ’ s special meals during your stay . You can find your options in our menu . Please ask your nurse if you don ’ t have one . Call 205-934- 6325 from any phone ( or dial 4-MEAL from your room phone ) and place your meal order . Your customized order must be placed within the time frame for each meal service . Review the hours below .*
Hours of operation & meal offerings Breakfast :
• Customized Meal Orders * 6 a . m . – 8 a . m .
• Daily Chef ’ s Special Meals ** 8 a . m . – 10 a . m .
Lunch :
• Customized Meal Orders * 11a . m . – 1p . m .
• Daily Chef ’ s Special Meals ** 1p . m . – 3 p . m .
Dinner :
• Daily Chef ’ s Special Meals ** 6 p . m . – 7:30 p . m .
• After-Hours Meals 7:30 p . m . – 9 p . m .
Once your order has been placed , we will add it to the preparation list in the order in which it was received . Customized meals will be delivered within 1-2 hours . You can place orders for future meals if you wish .
Customized Meals ordered after the cutoff time During this time frame , no phone order is necessary . Review the hours above ** for the daily chef ’ s special meals .
You will automatically receive our daily chef ’ s special meal that complies with your dietary needs .
After-hours meals After 7:30 p . m ., someone from the nursing staff must go to the kitchen to place and pickup all meal orders .
2 Patient & Visitor Guide