Your Stay at WakeMed

Your Room

Your room assignment at WakeMed is based on your diagnosis and bed availability on the day you are admitted. Please take note of the unit and room number to which you are assigned, and let your family and friends know. If you have any questions, please ask your nurse.

Your Hospital Bed

Hospital beds are electrically operated; your nurse will show you how they work. Your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home. Bedside rails are for your protection. They may be raised at night or during the day when you are resting.

Calling Your Nurse

A button to call your nurse is located at your bedside. When you press the button, the nursing station is alerted that you need help. A staff member will respond to your call as soon as possible.

Television

WakeMed provides in-room television viewing at no charge. We also provide a series of educational programs. Channel 27 is the WakeMed connection to Triangle (Radio) Reading Service (TRS), which provides local news and information for the blind, print-impaired and elderly in the greater Triangle area. All WakeMed patients with television access can enjoy this service.

Menu Selection

All meals are prepared by the Food & Nutrition Services department. For patients whose doctor allows them to select their own meals, a Food Service Host will assist you in making your meal selections from the daily menu. The host will also deliver your meal to your room and remove the tray when you are finished. An alternate food menu is available on channel 46 on your television. Your diet may also be prescribed by your physician. If you are here for an extended stay, a dietitian may visit you to discuss your nutritional needs and address any questions or comments you may have.

Telephones

In-Hospital Calls: Internal numbers are reached by dialing the five digit extension. If you need help, dial 08000 to reach the hospital operator. Outside Local Calls: Dial 9 + local number. There is no charge for local calls. Long Distance Calls: Dial 9 + 0 + area code + number. An operator will come on the line before your call is put through. Please tell the operator whether you are making a collect call, or whether you would like the call to be billed to your home or to a credit card. Long distance calls cannot be billed to your room. If you need assistance, please call extension 08000.

For the Hearing Impaired

A telecommunications device (TDD) is available to help hearingimpaired patients or for patients who want to communicate with a hearing-impaired relative or friend. Arrangements can also be made to have a person who uses sign language help a hearing impaired or deaf patient. Notify your nurse to make these arrangements.

Cell Phones

Due to the operation of some hospital equipment via radio transmission, the use of personal cellular phones is prohibited throughout several areas of the hospital. Please take note of the signage marking these areas. Also, as a courtesy to our patients and visitors, please silence your cell phone upon entering the hospital.

Photos and Video

Due to patient privacy laws, the use of cameras and video devices (including cell phones with camera capabilities) are limited throughout the hospital. Visitors may only use cameras in a patient's private room and with the patient's consent. Taking photographic images of patient records or other confidential information is strictly prohibited.

Waiting Areas

For the comfort and convenience of visitors, there is a designated waiting area near each nursing unit. The waiting area for families of intensive care patients is in the Critical Care Family Waiting Room located on the second floor. You can access the Critical Care Family Waiting Room by taking the A/B elevators. The Day Surgery Center Waiting Room is on the second floor above Patient Registration.

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