Hospital Guide
Advance Directives
The types of decisions your agent can make include to approval or disapproval of tests, procedures and medications; selection and discharge of a provider or institution; directions to provide, withhold/withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration, and all other forms of health care. If you wish, you can limit the type of decisions your agent can make for you. You can also give an advance directive about when you would or would not want medical treatment. You can indicate when you would choose to prolong life, whether you wish to be kept free of pain, even if it were to speed up death, or any other special wishes you have regarding your healthcare. Please discuss your wishes with your physicians, especially your primary care physician. You can also give an advance directive as to which, if any, organs you would like to donate in the event of your death. You do not have to have a written advance directive. You may communicate your wishes to your physicians and nurses, and ask them to write down your wishes in the chart. However, your wishes will probably be clearer and more likely to be accepted by your family and others if they are written. For more information about advance directives, please ask to speak with the case manager.
Behavior Support
The Bio-ethics Committee
The Call System
Case Management
Cellular Telephones
Concerns and Complaints
Condition Reports
Discharge Planning
The Call System
Food Service
General Visiting Hours
Home Health
Housekeeping
Informed Consent
Interpreters
Infection Control
Leaving the Hospital
Mail, Flowers and Newspapers
Medical Social Work
Mealtimes
Medical Records
Medications
Nutrition Services
Saint Mary’s Nutrition Services Department is dedicated to providing patients with nutritious, attractive and delicious meals. On your day of admission, a representative from Nutrition Services will meet with you to discuss your meal options. If a patient has no diet restrictions, a menu is provided daily for meal selection. If visitors bring food, please check with the nurse to be sure it is
within the patient’s dietary restrictions.
Meals are served to patients three times a day at Saint Mary’s:
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Guest trays are available for a nominal fee if family or friends wish to eat with the patient.
Public Food Options
The coffee cart (Seraphine’s Bistro) is located on the first floor near the main Arlington Street lobby and is open seven days per week 24 hours per day.
Organ and Tissue Donations
When someone dies, it is often possible for other lives to be saved or made better through the donation of their organs and tissues. We realize that the death of a loved one is a very difficult time and take this into consideration when discussing the possibility of donation. Saint Mary’s Health Network is required by law to discuss the option of organ/tissue donation with the next-of-kin of every patient who may be suitable for donation. Many families have taken comfort in this difficult time in knowing that someone else’s life was made better through the donation of their loved ones’ organs/tissues.
Pain Management
Pain management is an important part of your care. You have the right to expect that pain will be identified, addressed, and treated. Good pain control allows you to feel more rested, more in control and speeds up your recovery. We, here at Saint Mary’s Health Network, feel responsible to listen to your concerns about pain. Even though it is not always possible to provide you with complete pain relief, controlling your pain will help you to be more comfortable. This will allow you to move easier after your surgery or procedure, help prevent complications, and can even shorten your hospital stay. We will help you make reasonable and desirable pain relief goals. One of the most important things you can do is tell us about your pain. Sometimes people assume we can tell they are having pain, but this is not always true. Only you know when you are in pain, how bad it is, and what it feels like. When you describe the intensity, type, location and duration of your pain, you help us to do a better job of caring for you. Your healthcare providers will listen to the way you describe your pain and how you think it will be relieved to help them decide what medicine or other pain relief measures to use.
Pastoral Services
It is the goal of Saint Mary Medical Center to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families. Your own clergy person is also invited to visit you at any time. If you don’t belong to a congregation, but would like to speak to a spiritual leader from a particular denomination, please ask your nurse to arrange such a visit.
Patient and Family Education
We believe that patient education is one of the most important ways every patient can help their own recovery. Knowing what is wrong with you and what treatments are available, allow you to help make the decisions about your care that you want. We know that everyone has his or her own ways of learning. We want to help you learn about your condition in the easiest way possible. You will be asked questions about how you learn best, if you have any religious or cultural beliefs that will affect our teaching. The types of topics we want to cover include how to be safe, nutrition, how to safely take your medicines, how to use any equipment you need and any questions you have about your diagnosis.
Patient Assessments
You’ll receive a comprehensive initial assessment within 8 hours of your admission, including a physical, psychological, social, spiritual and functional evaluation. This information will help us to identify and prioritize your overall treatment plan. The scope, intensity and timeliness of further assessments will be defined by your healthcare team based on your diagnosis, care setting, desire for care and response to previous treatment. An assessment of your discharge planning needs will also begin within 8 hours of your admission. Discharge planning is a collaborative process and will involve you, your family and qualified individuals of the healthcare team.
Patient Family Grievance
Anytime your concerns are not resolved to your satisfaction, you may also contact our Administration of the hospital. They will work with all hospital departments to investigate your complaint and assist you in handling your concern. To contact Saint Mary’s Risk Management, please call 775-770-3228. You can also mail feedback to: Saint Mary’s Health Network ATTN: Risk Management – 235 W. Sixth Street, Reno, NV 89503. If this is not to your satisfaction, you may file your complaint with HealthInsight at 800-748-6773. Additionally, the State Bureau for Hospital Patients can be contacted at 702-486-3587.
Patient Rights
Healthcare is a partnership between patients and caregivers. Participation of patients and family members results in more-informed decision making. It is important to us that you are involved in your care and understand the reasons for the things that are being done for you. Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions regarding your care or your condition. It is our goal that you understand the care that is given to you.
You have the right to respectful, dignified care, including:
- Considerate, respectful and non-discriminatory care
- Privacy, comfort and security
- Proper assessment and management of pain
- An environment free from mental or physical abuse or harassment
- Visitors, telephone calls and mail
- Pastoral and spiritual care
You have the right to participate in your care decisions.
- Healthcare information will be provided in a manner and form you can understand.
- You may ask which treatment options are available and participate in decisions about your care, including advance directives.
- You may refuse treatment to the extent permitted by the law and be made aware of the possible results of your refusal.
You have the right to access your medical records.
- Upon request, you may review and copy your medical records and know to whom we disclose your information.
You have the right to confidentiality.
- Your medical records will be confidential except where required by law, transfer of care or third-party payor/insurance contact.
- Family members and your own physician may be notified of your admission to the hospital.
You have the right to be heard.
- Any concerns you may have regarding your care may be addressed by contacting the individual department leadership or by filing a formal grievance.
Patient Restraints
- Saint Mary’s strives to be restraint free; however, there are times when restraints are needed to ensure patient safety, and they are only used when other less-restrictive options do not work. Restraints are always removed as soon as possible. At all times, staff will work to protect the dignity and rights of the patient.
Click here to view the entire Privacy Practices and Patient Rights policy in English.
Click here to view the entire Privacy Practices and Patient Rights policy in Spanish.
Pediatric Unit Visiting Hours
11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for adult visitors. No children under two years of age, and no one with infectious or contagious illness.
Personal Equipment
The hospital maintains strict safety requirements on all electrical and battery operated appliances used in the patient care environment. No personal electrical devices are allowed, including hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, radios and similar equipment. The operation of cellular phones is not allowed anywhere in the building for patient safety.
Security/Life Safety
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, visitors and employees, the hospital continually monitors and tests a wide range of security and life-safety measures. You may hear overhead announcements for drills and other messages. Be assured that your nurse will monitor these announcements and inform you of any pertinent information. Your wellbeing is of primary importance to us. For this reason, we have equipped your bed with side rails to keep you safe when you are medicated or asleep. Please ask for assistance if you wish to lower or raise them. When you get out of bed, please don’t rely on your bedside table for support. It can shift under your weight. We also ask that you wear non-skid slippers when walking around the unit, and that you request assistance when getting in or out of a bed or chair, unless otherwise instructed by your nurse or doctor.
Saint Mary's Chapel
In almost every faith tradition, it is important to have sacred spaces for prayer, celebration and to practice rituals that hold meaning for us. For patients, family or staff, we open this sacred space to all and hope that it might offer a safe haven in times of distress, uncertainty and even in celebration of new beginnings. Mass is celebrated in the Chapel at various times throughout the week. Catholic sacraments are also available through Spiritual Care Services.
Spiritual Care Volunteers
Smoking
State of Nevada Resources
Storing Valuables
Saint Mary’s Health Network cannot be responsible for valuables that you keep in your possession. You should leave your jewelry, money (large sum), wallets and purses at home to ensure their safekeeping. Please be alert concerning your belongings such as dentures, contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids and comparable personal belongings. Please store these items carefully when not in use. Never leave them on a meal tray or wrap them in tissue paper. If you forget to leave your valuables at home and do not wish to entrust them to a friend or relative, they may be deposited in the Saint Mary’s Health Network safe for safekeeping. Ask your nurse for assistance.
Telephones
Keeping in touch with loved ones is important, especially when you are ill. For your convenience, there is a private phone on your bedside table. Your extension number is your room number, with the exception of specialty areas such as LDRP, ICU, etc. If friends or family want to reach you, they can call 775-770-3000 and ask the operator to connect them to your room.
Television
Sometimes the days can seem long, when you are in the hospital. For your comfort, your room is equipped with a television set. To hear television programs, change channels, and tune into radio stations, use the bedside control. Special channels are available in certain areas. TV Channel guides are available upon request.
Your Environment
A big part of getting settled is becoming acquainted with your new surroundings. Your room is where you will spend most of your time, and it is designed to be as cheerful and pleasant as possible, while allowing for comfort and safety. If your accommodations are semi-private, please be considerate of your roommate’s needs, and limit your visitors and activities accordingly.
Lori's Gifts
Lori’s Gifts shop is located on the ground floor of the hospital between elevators A & B. They offer fresh flowers, cards, books, snacks and beverages along with internationally recognized brands and custom crafters.
Shopping Hours:
Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm
Sat -Sun 12pm – 4pm
Hours may vary due to COVID-19