Patients & Visitors

Thank you for choosing Southern Tennessee Regional Health System to meet your health care needs. We consider it a privilege to serve you and your family. The goal of every Southern Tennessee Regional Health System staff member is to make your stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible while following the medical care plan especially designed for you by your physician. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your care or any of the hospital's services.

The information presented below covers a wide range of hospital services and policies. If you need additional information, please call us at (931) 967-8200.

We will do our best to resolve any difficulties that might arise while you are here or pass along any suggestions or compliments that you may have. 

Joint Commission Accreditation
Joint Commission accreditation addresses all complaints that pertain to patient safety or quality of care issues within the scope of Joint Commission standards. The Joint Commission has a toll-free hotline number that gives patients, their families, caregivers and others an opportunity to share concerns regarding quality of care issues at this accredited hospital.

The toll-free number is 1-800-994-6610, or visit http://www.jointcommission.org/.

Admissions
Our Admissions Team is located just beyond the main entrance at the front of the hospital. After you enter the building, they are located at the top of the main stairs on the left (just beyond the information desk).

Patients may pre-admit once admission has been scheduled. Admissions are processed via the registration clerks in the front lobby; after hours admissions are processed at the registration desk in the Emergency Department. Once you arrive on the nursing unit, the staff will help you get acquainted with your room and your surroundings.

Patients undergoing outpatient surgery should report to the registration desk in the front lobby. Outpatient registration hours are from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Expectant mothers should check in through the Emergency Department before coming to Labor and Delivery. If you are an admission, please check in via the registration clerks in the front lobby.

Cafeteria
The cafeteria, located in the basement of Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, is open to visitors for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday. The hours are:

• Breakfast 7:00 am to 8:30 am
• Lunch 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Snacks and soft drinks may be purchased 24 hours per day from the vending machines located adjacent to the Dining Room and the Emergency Room.

Closed Caption Television
Closed Caption Television is available to all patients. Please contact the nurse’s station for instructions to change the settings on your television to closed captioning.

Complimentary WiFi
While you are on our campus, please enjoy our complimentary WiFi service. Simply select "GUEST ACCESS" to connect. A password is not needed.

Food Services
Because nutrition is an important part of your recovery, our dietitian prepares a variety of menus according to your doctor's instructions. If your doctor wishes you to adhere to a special diet once you have left the hospital, our dietitian can explain your new eating plan and how you can adapt it to your lifestyle.

If lab tests or x-rays delay your meal time, the nursing staff will be happy to order a tray after you return to your room. One guest tray will be provided free of charge for families of patients age 12 and under. Nourishment rooms are available on each nursing unit. A variety of snacks and beverages are provided for our patients.

Family Waiting Room and Visiting Hours
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System has open visiting hours depending upon the condition of the patient.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times when visiting the hospital. In the Childbirth Center Department or Labor and Delivery, only siblings of the newborn under the age of 12 are allowed into the Childbirth Center Department. All other children must be over the age of 12 to enter the Childbirth Center Department.

Please use caution when bringing young visitors to the hospital. Do not allow children with cough, fever, rash, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or recent exposure to illness to visit.

Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is located in the front lobby of the Southern Tennessee Regional Health System and offers flowers, cards, baby items, toiletries, candy, and more. The Gift Shop is open:

• Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4 pm
• Saturday: 12 - 4 pm

Housekeeping
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System believes in the perseverance of our natural resources therefore, bed linen is changed every other day or as needed depending on patient needs. If you need additional linens or housekeeping services, please contact your nurse.

Intensive Care Unit
Due to the nature of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) visitation is determined on an individual basis. Southern Tennessee Regional Health System traditionally practices an open policy however depending on the needs of the patient, visitation may be restricted.

Latex Allergies
In an effort to prevent or reduce exposure to known allergens, thereby reducing the risk of reaction, patients found to be allergic to latex will be treated with medical products which are free of latex or will be shielded from contact with latex.

Mail and Flowers
Cards and flowers sent by your family and friends to make your stay more pleasant are delivered daily. Flowers are NOT allowed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Mail received after you are discharged will be forwarded to your home. Mail for patients should be addressed as follows:

Patient Name
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System 
185 Hospital Rd
Winchester, TN 37398

Medicines
We will need a complete list of medicines you are currently taking, including those not prescribed or ordered by your doctor. While in the hospital, please take only medicines administered by your nurse. If the medicines are not given at the same time as you normally take them, please let us know and we will try to do things as you do at home. Sometimes meals or tests may hinder your normal routine.
 
We use generic medicines when possible to keep costs low. Because of this, some medicines may look different from your usual pills. If you have questions about the pills or other medicines you are taking, do not hesitate to ask your nurse or physician.

Newspapers
Local newspapers are delivered to patient's rooms every day.  They are also available in the Emergency Department for visitors.

Pediatric Care
For the safety of our pediatric patients, those under the age of 12, we require an adult to stay with them at all times. If your child is under 2 years of age, we require the use of a baby bed for the safety of your child.

Pet Visitation
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System is committed to providing personalized care that recognizes the benefits of integrating traditional medicine with complimentary medicine as a supportive service. Patient must be deemed, by their physician, as appropriate to benefit from the visit of his/her dog. Only dogs that are certified to be medically fit shall be allowed to visit.

Smoking Policy
To protect your health and the health of others, Southern Tennessee Regional Health System is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted in patient rooms, corridors, lobbies, waiting rooms or any other area of the hospital.

Telephones
The telephone at your bedside is for your use and convenience. To make local calls, dial "9" and wait for the dial tone, then dial your desired number. Long distance, credit card or collect calls may be placed by dialing "9" + area code and desired number. The hospital utilizes AT&T as its long distance company. If you wish to use a different company for credit card calls, dial your company's access code after dialing "9" + "0" or use the 800 number listed on your credit cards after dialing "9" + "1".

• Medical/Surgical Room Phone Number - Bed "A": (931) 968-2+room number/ Bed "B": (931) 968-2+50 added to room number
• Childbirth Center Room Phone Number -(931) 968-2+room number
• Dialing the Hospital Operator from your room - Press "0"
• Placing a local call from your room - Press "9" then dial the number
• Long Distance & Calling Card Calls from your room - Press "9" then "0"
• To reach an Outside Operator from your room - Press "9" then "0" 

Valuables
We encourage you to entrust your valuables to a friend or relative while you are in the hospital. If you have valuables at the hospital please ask the nurse for a Special Valuable Envelope. Your valuables can be placed in the hospital safe, by the House Supervisor, once you have sealed them in the Special Valuables Envelope. The envelope must be filled out and signed by you or a responsible relative and your nurse. The content list will remain with your hospital chart and a copy of the list will be sealed inside the Valuables Envelope. Ask your Nurse about this hospital policy if you would like to use it. The hospital cannot be responsible for lost items unless they are placed in a Valuables Envelope. Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dentures must be documented in your chart.

What to Bring
You will need to bring a small number of personal items to the hospital, such as pajamas, robe, slippers, and personal toilet articles including cases for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dentures. If you bring with you or any of the prior mentioned items are brought to you after your admission, please make sure your nurse is aware that you have them in your possession. These items are your responsibility to keep up with. Bring your driver’s license, insurance card, claim forms, and your co-pay and deductible amounts. Please bring the following items with you:

• Drivers License or Photo ID
• All ACTIVE medical insurance cards
• Social Security Card
• Contact information for immediate family member
• Current lst of ALL medications
• A copy of your living will (if applicable)

Overnight Patients, please bring:

• Nightwear
• Robe
• Rubber soled shoes
• Personal hygiene items (like toiletries)

What Not to Bring
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen valuables. Do not bring watches, jewelry, cash or other valuables to the hospital. Southern Tennessee Regional Health System will only be responsible for these items if they are deposited into our safe. Ask your nurse about safe deposits upon admission. Please do not bring medications to the hospital. Your physician and the hospital pharmacy will provide all of your medication while you are in the hospital. However, it is important to provide your physician with a list of all medications that you are currently taking.

Where to Go When You Arrive
Please park in the front or main parking lot. We ask that all of our patients and visitors check in at the volunteer desk (in front of the elevators). The registration desks are located at the top of the stairs on the left hand side of the hallway.

Where to Get Picked Up
Patients that are being discharged can be picked up under the covered area at the front of the main entrance.

When you are medically ready to leave the hospital, your physician will write a discharge order on your medical chart. Your nurses and your physician will discuss discharge information with you, including special diets, medications and limitations on your activities. The case manager will assist you in making arrangements for home care or other community services, if needed. Your physician will let you know if an office visit is necessary after discharge.

Be sure to check your room for all personal belongings and reclaim any valuables from the hospital safe. When your transportation arrives, please allow your nurse to escort you from the hospital.