Visitor Information for Intensive Care Units

The Intensive Care Units (ICU) at Washington Regional Medical Center care for patients who require more frequent medical and nursing assessments and intervention based on their physical condition. These units is designed with specialized equipment to meet the needs of our more critically ill patients. The ICU staff consists of specially trained physicians, nurses, and therapy services, and is supported by pastoral care, radiology, laboratory, dietary, pharmacy, environmental services and a host of other hospital support teams. We understand that having a loved one in the hospital with a serious injury or illness can be a difficult experience. Our goal is to help make this time as stress-free for you as possible.

Visitor’s Entrance/Parking
Visitors should park in one of the convenient hospital parking lots and enter through the hospital main entrance.

Intensive Care Units Visiting Hours

Your cooperation with our established visiting hours is appreciated along with the trust you place in us to give the best care possible to your loved one.

Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Please limit visitors to two at a time.

One overnight visitor may be accommodated by request.

View our full visitor policy for more details.

Waiting Area

A special waiting area is provided for the comfort and convenience of families with loved ones in an intensive care unit. When visiting hours are over we ask that you please wait in the lounge, located on the second floor adjacent to the ICU area.  Please do not leave children unattended in the waiting area. Volunteer hosts and receptionists are on hand during the day to help provide assistance for families. For the comfort, safety and well-being of everyone using the ICU waiting area, the following policies will be strictly enforced:

• No visitors will be allowed to sleep on the floor due to safety concerns.
• Personal bedding items (pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.) are not allowed. 
• Ice chests, coolers and other food/beverage storage containers are not allowed.
• Furniture may not be moved into or out of the waiting room area.
• No radios, televisions or personal stereo devices without headphones will be allowed.
• Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No child should be left unattended in the waiting area.

It is important to respect the fact that the waiting area is a public space that is often shared by many families. Please help us keep the waiting area clean and inviting – put empty bottles, food wrappers, napkins, etc. into the trash. Put away newspapers and magazines when you have finished reading them.

Family Communication / Contact Person

One (1) person should be designated as the primary contact for the patient. This individual will be contacted for questions or changes in the patient’s condition, and should be able to share this information with the rest of the family/friends.

The contact person should be the only person calling for updates on the patient’s condition. For security purposes, a password will be assigned to the designated contact person. The password will be required before patient information is released.

It is best not to call during the change of shift, 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The main phone number for Washington Regional is 479.463.1000.

Suggestions for Contact Person
Try to visit at times when the physician is available to talk with you and answer questions and concerns. Nurses will answer general questions concerning a patient’s condition; however, detailed medical information must be obtained from the patient’s physician. Ask the physician each day when he/she will be available to talk to you the next day. 

Visitor Information & Amenities

Suggestions to all visitors

• Keep conversations with the patient related to subjects that will not upset the patient. Be positive and supportive. 
• Be aware that there may be restrictions concerning the patient’s diet. Please ask a staff member before giving the patient anything to eat or drink.
• Patients and visitors in the ICU are at an increased risk of falling due to the environment (i.e. wires, equipment and I.V.s).
• Every effort is made to protect each patient’s dignity, modesty and confidentiality. If unsure of the patient’s location, please ask for assistance before looking in different rooms.

Dining Options
Washington Regional offers cafeteria-style dining, a coffee cafe and more. Visit our dining options page to see full details. Vending machines offering a variety of beverages and snacks are available throughout the hospital on all levels.

Cell Phones
Because of possible interference with sensitive electronic equipment in patient rooms, use of cell phones is not allowed in the patient care areas. Cell phones may be used in the Lobby area.

Spiritual Care/Chapel
A medical center chaplain is always available to help you with any spiritual or emotional needs while your loved one is in our care. The chaplain will be happy to notify your faith group or minister if you wish. To reach a chaplain, ask your nurse, volunteer or receptionist for assistance.

The Chapel is located on Level 5.

Gift Shop

Located on Level L near the main lobby, the Washington Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop provides an array of gifts and personal items for patients, visitors and staff.

Hours of operation:

Monday - Friday	9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Saturday	closed
Sunday	closed

Flowers, Plants, Gifts & Personal Items
We realize visitors like to bring flowers and gifts. Cards and balloons are always welcome; however, please check with nursing staff before bringing flowers or plants into a patient room. 

Patients may have the following items in their room while in the Intensive Care Units: eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, battery-operated radios, battery-operated razors, books and magazines.

Nightclothes and under garments are not needed. Hospital gowns, pajama bottoms and slippers are available for all ICU patients.

Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Please take time to read through the Patient Rights and Responsibilities document that is provided to all of our patients when they are admitted to the hospital. This document is important because it details the rights of your loved one as a patient and outlines the responsibilities of the hospital with regard to his/her patient care.

Privacy
Protecting the privacy of our patients is of major importance. Please refrain from asking staff members about other patients and/or looking into patient rooms as you walk by.

Complaints or Issue of Concern
Complaints or concerns about a member of your loved one’s healthcare team should be reported to one of the following: the charge nurse, nurse manager or house supervisor.

Washington Regional Medical Center
3215 N. Northhills Blvd.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Telephone: 479.463.1000
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