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.
2 Patient & Visitor Guide