Welcome to University Health Care System. We are honored that you have entrusted us with your care, and we will do everything we can to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
We are always looking for ways to exceed patients' expectations, and we hope you will give us that opportunity while you are at any of University Health Care System's facilities. If you know of a way for us to do better, we want to hear about it since our primary goal is to ensure you receive high-quality, compassionate care.
If you would like to share yofur thoughts regarding your care, you can call our Care Line at 706/774-CARE (2273). You also might receive a questionnaire in the mail after your stay requesting feedback regarding your care. Please take the time to complete and return this "report card".
On behalf of the University family, I wish you a speedy recovery and a pleasant health care experience.
Sincerely, James Davis President/Chief Executive Officer University Health Care System
To make your hospital stay or visit to University Hospital as pleasant as possible, please spend a few minutes looking over the following information:
University Hospital is a tabacoo-free campus. Smoking is not permitted on any University Health Care System property. Click here for smoking cessation information.
Security
University Hospital-employed security personnel are on duty around the clock. Our uniformed officers drive marked vehicles and carry two-way communication equipment. For your safety, the hospital, campus and parking areas are monitored by a closed-circuit television system. If you need a security officer, dial extension 4-2295 from the nearest house phone or dial "0" for the hospital operator and ask for Security.
Interpreters
For Non-English Speaking Patients: Through our Speech and Hearing Center, we offer interpretation services for non-English speaking patients. This includes a special telephone network system which provides medically certified interpreters in over 100 languages. A medically certified Spanish interpreter is also on call to provide direct personal translation. Please tell a member of your patient care team if you need this service. Accommodation of sensorially deprived and/or non-English speaking patients is governed by hospital policy, which also outlines grievance procedures, as provided by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Please contact your nurse or the CARE LINE at 706/774-2273 if you experience any difficulty.
For the Hearing Impaired: Special telephones are available for the rooms of patients who are hearing impaired. In addition, arrangements can be made through our Speech and Hearing Center to provide a medically certified sign language interpreter who uses sign language to assist a hearing impaired or deaf person. Please let your nurse know if you need either of these services.
Pastoral Care
Chaplains work closely with physicians and other clinical staff to help patients and their families look at the meaning of illness; they also use faith and religious resources for coping with crises. Often they simply offer a listening ear. Chaplain services are available around the clock, every day of the year. Chaplains are also available for sacramental ministries and religious liturgies.
An interfaith chapel, located off the main first floor lobby near the visitors elevator, is open to people of all faiths for prayer and meditation. Worship services are held here each Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
Mail and Flowers
Mail and flowers will be delivered directly to the patient room each day, except in critical care areas. Patients in intensive care units cannot receive flowers, balloons, or gifts other than cards in their rooms. Mail should be addressed to the patient by name (and room number, if known) to: University Hospital, 1350 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901-2629. Mail and/or flowers received after dismissal will be forwarded to the patient's home.
Banking
An automatic teller machine (ATM) is located in the main lobby, directly in front of the main visitor elevators.
Infection Protection
Visitors can help prevent the spread of germs by completing hand hygiene before and after visiting. Hand washing is encouraged, especially if you are assisting with or learning a patient care procedure or when you come to visit directly from work. In lieu of hand washing, waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. A dispenser is mounted on the wall outside the room door.
If you or your children have a cold, the flu, another contagious illness or symptoms, please delay your visit until you are well. Please check at the nurses' station if any special instructions, such as "isolation," are posted on the patient's door. In some cases, it is necessary to expand our routine protection of visitors and other patients due to certain types of infection. In these cases, visitors are given special instructions before entering the room.
University Hospital has arranged with area hotels and motels to offer special rates to patients and/or their families who need to stay overnight in Augusta. A listing is available at the information desk, or you may request a copy by calling the information desk at 706/774-2197 or contacting us by e-mail.
Welcome to University Health Care System. We are honored that you have entrusted us with your care, and we will do everything we can to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
To make your hospital stay or visit to University Hospital as pleasant as possible, please spend a few minutes looking over the following information:
