Visitors Are Welcome

Peace Harbor encourages friends and family to visit their loved ones in the hospital. Sometimes, seeing a familiar face in an environment the patient is not used to can be calming, and, help speed the recovery process. Generally visitors are welcome at any hour, however some patients require extended rest for healing and scheduled visiting hours from 10:00am to 8:30pm may be applicable. If you have questions about visiting times, please check with the patient’s nurse. In the interest of the patient's comfort and safety, the number of ICU visitors should be limited to no more than two at a time. Visitors who have colds or other infections should stay at home until they are well.

Hospital entrances are open from 6 a.m. to 10:00pm. Visitors should check in with the Volunteer Desk in the main lobby prior to seeing a patient. Family members and visitors are welcome to use the restroom inside the patient room. There are also public restrooms located throughout the hospital

Parking

Parking spaces for patients and visitors are clearly marked in the front rows of the hospital parking areas. If you have driven your own car to the hospital, there is no problem leaving it parked for the duration of your stay.

Safety and Security
 

• We strive to provide a safe and secure environment for patients and visitors. We would like to recommend the following measures to keep you safe and your valuables secure.
• Please do not leave any items, even insignificant items like change or clothing, visible in a parked car.
• Please do not leave valuables such as jewelry, cash, credit cards or a checkbook in your room. Please ask a family member to take your valuables home. If that is not possible, notify your nurse, and your valuables may be secured in an envelope in the hospital safe. They will be returned to you upon discharge. The hospital does not accept responsibility for items of value unless they are kept in the safe.
• Please remind your visitors to not leave their possessions and valuables in their vehicles, waiting areas, dining room or your room.
• Every staff member in the hospital should have an identification badge prominently displayed and should introduce themselves. You have the right to ask for identification.
• Our staff is happy to escort your visitors to the parking areas on the campus at any time of the day or night. Please ask your nurse to call an escort for your visitors.
• If you are aware of a threat to you or are concerned someone inappropriate may visit you in the hospital, please notify your nurse. We will take steps to address the threat and keep unwanted visitors from contacting you.

For everyone’s safety, weapons of any kind are not allowed in the hospital. The prohibition includes weapons covered by a concealed weapons permit. If you have any concerns with security please do not hesitate to ask your nurse or other staff person to immediately contact Security.

Fire Emergencies/Notification

In the event of a fire situation, you will hear “Dr. Red/Code Red” followed by the location information from overhead speakers. Your caregivers are trained in fire response and will provide instructions to you on what to do. It is rare that full evacuation would become necessary due to fire. If this does occur, your caregivers will instruct and assist you in safe evacuation.

Guest/Visitor Food Services

The Harbor Café, our hospital cafeteria, is available for breakfast and lunch meal services. Evening meals are available upon request. Vending machines located in the cafeteria are available as well until 6pm.
RV Parking

Patients travelling by RV whose family members wish to remain on campus may use electric hookups in hospital parking areas if approved by the Facilities Department.

Mail and Flowers

Volunteers deliver flowers to patients daily as well as letters, packages, and e-mails sent via the hospital’s Web site. Letters that come after your discharge will be sent to your home. Flowers that come after your discharge will be returned to the florist. Stamps, stationery and cards may be purchased in the gift shop.

Gift Shop

Flowers, toys, candies and gift items are available in the volunteer-operated gift shop just off the main floor lobby. All proceeds benefit patient care at Peace Harbor Hospital Foundation. For information on deliveries, call 997-8412.Open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips for Families and Friends Giving Care

• Eat well. Regular nutritious meals are a must for you to maintain your strength. Make changes to your diet one step at a time.
• Get enough sleep. Take short naps when the person you are caring for is sleeping. You will need these naps if your sleep is interrupted at night.
• Walk every day. Spirits are replenished with exercise. Regular and moderate exercise is essential for you to maintain good health.
• Relax. Breathe fully and deeply. Listen to beautiful music. Laugh aloud every day as you assist your loved one to recovery.
• Get needed information. Staying informed will reduce your anxiety. Visit our online health library at www.peacehealth.org/healthwise.
• Accept your feelings. Depression and anger are natural responses to hurt and loss. Your feelings reflect how deeply you’ve been affected by your loved one’s condition. Tears can be cleansing. Acceptance of your feelings as normal and natural leads to relief.
• Share a hug. Everyone needs love and support, particularly when caring for a loved one.
• Get support. Everyone needs and deserves support and encouragement. Do not turn down loving help from caring friends and family.
• Tell your story. Describe your concerns and experiences to clarify your reality and bring order from chaos. It will help you feel less lonely. Sharing is a normal way to work through the feelings you have as a caregiver.
• Celebrate. Each milestone passed and every measurable success during this period is a cause for celebration. Recognizing progress is progress!