Each day hundreds of people visit patients at our facilities. With such a large volume of visitors, we have found it important to establish guidelines for visitors so that we can comfortably accommodate everyone. We ask visitors to be considerate of others who are visiting and using hospital waiting areas.
Children are not allowed to visit patients in the Critical Care unit unless authorized by the physician. Children under the age of 12 should not remain in waiting areas. Our waiting areas are not designed to accommodate the needs of children.
Large Families should space visits throughout the day rather than congregating as a large group in a waiting area. To prevent crowding of waiting areas and accommodate as many families as possible, we suggest an average of no more than two or three family members per patient at any given time.
Telephones are provided for visitors in each waiting area. Calls can be received and local calls can be made. Long distance calls can be connected by calling collect or using a credit card.
Specific Waiting Areas are designated for patients in specific units, floors or areas (for example, ER waiting, day surgery waiting, ICU 5 Center, critical care waiting, etc.). Visitors should wait in the appropriate area so it will be easy find them if needed.
Our Cafeterias serve three meals daily at affordable prices. Visitors are welcome to eat in our cafeterias. The hospital cafeteria is open seven days a week and serves a full complement of entrees, side dishes, sandwiches, salads and desserts at affordable prices. Hours are:
Breakfast 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. Lunch 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dinner 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Snacks and soft drinks are available 24 hours a day in vending areas. Change machines are also located in the vending areas of the facility.
Wireless Phones (cell, digital) should be used with discretion. They are not allowed in critical care units, critical care waiting areas or the emergency department. Please turn phones off when visiting these sensitive areas.
Smoking is not permitted inside any of our facilities or on the grounds except at designated smoking areas. Smoking should be restricted to these areas only.
Food and Beverages should not be taken into any waiting areas. Several waiting areas have coffee rooms with complimentary coffee service. Snacks and beverages are allowed only in those coffee rooms. Meals must be eaten in the cafeteria. Coffee rooms should be kept clean by visitors who use them.
ICU/CCU family members may redeem coffee vouchers at the switchboard since the coffee station is closed on the weekends.
Handicapped Restroom Facilities and Water Fountains are available through the hospital. Ask the switchboard operator for the location nearest you.
Sleeping is not permitted in the waiting areas during the day so that we can provide the maximum amount of seating for families. Visitors who choose to remain in a waiting area overnight can request a blanket and pillow from a patient representative. Due to infection control concerns, visitors should not bring pillows, blankets, etc. from home into the hospital.
The privacy of patients hospitalized at Willis-Knighton Health System facilities is strictly protected by our patient confidentiality policies. It is our policy to conform with all HIPAA regulations related to patient information. Please help us protect the privacy of patients by discussing information quietly and discretely in a private area.