FOR OUR PATIENTS
Support Services
Any of the services below can be requested by dialing * 55 or speaking with your nurse.
Patient Advocates
Patient advocates serve as a bridge between patients and clinical staff. They are available to help with questions, explain processes, and discuss any concerns you might have, including issues regarding safety and security.
Ethics Consultants
Sometimes you and your care team face difficult decisions and may be uncertain about the“ right” thing to do. An ethics consultant can help with questions surrounding advance directives, making medical decisions if the patient is unable to do so, and resolving disagreement about treatment plans. Anyone can request a consultation.
Language
We provide Spanish interpretation services in-house and translation for more than 150 languages by phone or iPad. After discharge, patients have access to Spanish, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, French, Japanese, and Russian interpreters through the UAB Medicine Interpreter Access Line. These interpreters can help you change or cancel appointments, answer billing questions, and assist with other inquiries by calling 1.855.938.0669.
For The Deaf
We provide assistance for deaf patients by bringing American Sign Language-certified interpreters via video to the bedside. When available, we can arrange for live interpreters to assist you.
Your Room, Your Comfort
We want to make you as comfortable as possible. Check with your nurse regarding what might be appropriate to bring and keep with you during your stay. We suggest: music player with earphones, extra socks, pajamas, pen and paper, toiletries. We urge you to leave valuables at home or send them home with family members.
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.
For Veterans
Tell your care team if you have served in the military so we can plan the best care for you. Visit HaveYouEverServed. com to find health information and resources for military personnel and their families.
Spiritual Health
Our chaplain team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emotional and spiritual support specific to your faith or spiritual tradition.
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.
8 Patient & Visitor Guide