At Western Baptist Hospital, we know how stressful the thought of an operation can be for our patients as well as their loved ones. That's why our surgical center provides amenities designed to ease the anxieties and concerns of patients and their families.

Patient Education

When you come to Western Baptist Hospital for presurgical testing, a registered nurse will teach you what to expect when coming in for surgery. Your physician will provide specific information about the type of surgery you are having and your recovery.

Family Waiting Room

As an added convenience to families, Western Baptist Hospital has a family waiting room for surgical patients on the second floor, adjacent to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit where patients recover from surgery. Pay phones and restrooms are available. The hospital provides coffee and there is a beverage vending machine. Snacks can be purchased in the Coffee Shop just off the atrium on the first floor.

Private Conference Room

Patient confidentiality is a key concern at Western Baptist Hospital. We provide a private conference room next to the surgical waiting room for families who wish to speak with the physician confidentially. Ask the hospital auxiliary member assigned to the waiting area to unlock the room for your use.

Just for Kids

We've developed a holding area just for kids to help ease a child's anxiety prior to surgery. In the pediatric holding area, children can play with toys and games. When it's time for surgery, they can ride in a wagon instead of a hospital stretcher. Normally, family members are not allowed in surgical holding areas, but parents of small children get special privileges. They may wait in the pediatric holding area with their child until the time of surgery.

Centralized Scheduling

Scheduling procedures and surgeries is more convenient than ever before for your physician, because Western Baptist Hospital offers centralized scheduling. With one phone call, your physician can schedule any necessary diagnostic tests and your surgery. If you aren't sure about your surgery time, you can call (270) 575-2662 to confirm the time.

55Plus® members

Members of 55Plus® receive additional amenities. These services include a private room at semiprivate rates (when available), as well as complimentary transportation from anywhere within the hospital's service area. Transportation must be arranged through 55Plus® by calling (270) 575-2851. During recovery, 55Plus® provides complimentary homemaking services per the physician's request. Members are eligible for three hours of service within two weeks after discharge.

Sleep Rooms

Complimentary, on-site sleep rooms provide overnight accommodations to families of open heart surgery or critically ill patients at Western Baptist Hospital. For families who need additional accommodations, Western Baptist Hospital has negotiated special room rates with several nearby hotels. These rates are honored only by referral from the hospital nursing supervisor, Chaplain's office or hospital social worker.

Compliance Counseling

Patients who are discharged the day of their surgery receive a follow-up phone call from a registered nurse one or two days after discharge. Compliance counseling provides patients and their caregivers with the opportunity to ask questions about diet, medications, exercise and other aspects of recovery. It also allows the nurse to assess the patient's physical condition; make sure the patient is complying with the treatment plan; reinforce special instructions the patient received before going home; and make referrals to appropriate caregivers as needed. Most calls are handled with care advice; however, the nurse won't hesitate to call your physician if needed.

Meals

Families of inpatients who wish to take their meals in the room with their family member may do so. Arrangements to provide additional food trays at meal times are made through the Diet Office of Food and Nutrition Service by calling 575-2141.

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