Room assignments are based on the admitting diagnosis and bed availability on the day of admission. Offering the only private patient rooms in the area, each with its own bathroom and personal shower, patients can expect a private and relaxing atmosphere with remote-controlled televisions, lights, and shades. In addition, local artists' work shines through back-lit photos in each room. A call light is kept within your reach. The nurse call system enables you to talk directly with the Nurse's
Nutritious and appetizing meals and smiling faces greeting you in the halls complete the family-type experience found at Gundersen Palmer.
While the medical and comfort aspect of a patient's recovery is important, an added benefit of Gundersen Palmer is the proximity to home. Family and friends can visit as often as they would like without having to travel hours to another facility. Not only does that make the family thankful, but the patient enjoys seeing their loved ones without worrying that they are missing work, school or other important events to make long-distance travels to visit.
The bedside telephone will allow you to make local, toll free, credit card or calls utilizing a prepaid phone card. Dial "8", wait for the dial tone, then dial the desired phone number. Other long distance calls cannot be dialed directly. Ask your nurse for assistance. A cell phone may be used, but you may be asked to refrain from cell phone use in certain areas. Calls can be direct dialed to your room phone. Please ask your nurse for the phone number.
Mail, flowers and packages will be delivered to your room. Outgoing mail may be left at the Nurse's Station or the Business Office.
We are pleased to offer hotel-style room service for patient meals. Our "Patients First" room service is an extension of our commitment to providing excellence in patient care.
Upon admission, you will receive a copy of our patient room service menu. You may order food items between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Meals are made-to-order and are delivered within 45 minutes. Patients who have been placed on a special diet by their provider may have restrictions on their selections. Dietary staff is trained to assist you with those selections.
One complimentary meal tray is available for a parent or caregiver. Guest trays may also be ordered for a nominal fee.
Family members or designees may place meal orders for patients from home by calling (563) 422-3811. For patients who are unable to participate in patient room service and do not have family representation available to assist them, meal selections will be made by the Dietary staff.
For visitors
Food and beverage items may be purchased from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Coffee, tea and ice water are available 24 hours a day. Food and beverage vending is also available. Both services are located on the lower level of the health center. Please contact Dietary Services with any questions.
As a patient (in the hospital or clinic) you have the right to receive visitors whom you designate including, but not limited to, a spouse, a domestic partner (including a same sex domestic partner), another family member or friend. It is also your right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time. Visitors may not be restricted, limited, or otherwise denied visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. All visitors shall enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with your preferences.
Visitors may be limited for clinical indications at the discretion of the nurse or healthcare provider. The clinician will exercise their best clinical judgment when determining when visitation is, and is not, appropriate. Best clinical judgment takes into account all aspects of patient health and safety, including the benefits of visitation on a patient’s care as well as potential negative impacts that visitors may have on other patients in the hospital. Reasons for possible restrictions or limitations might include (but are not limited to) when:
- There may be infection control issues
- Visitation may interfere with the care of other patients
- Staff aware there is an existing court order restricting contact
- Visitors engage in disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior of any kind
- The patient's roommate needs rest or privacy
- The patient is undergoing care interventions
Disputes about whether an individual is the patient’s support person will be facilitated expeditiously and with a non-discriminatory manner. For infection control purposes, visitors are encouraged to use the public restrooms. Visitors with signs and symptoms of illness are asked not to visit.
For security purposes the hospital is locked after 8 p.m. Visitors can enter the hospital after 8 p.m. to visit through the Emergency entrance. For the protection of our patients, we ask that visitors consider a phone call instead of a visit if they are ill or have been exposed to an illness.
Smoking
Our facilities and grounds are smoke-free, inside and outside. This provides a healthier environment for everyone who comes here to receive care, provide care, visit or work. We ask for your cooperation with this for the benefit of all.
Valuables
Patients are encouraged to leave valuables and personal items at home or send them home with family and friends. Personal items may be placed in safekeeping during a hospital stay upon request.
Meditation chapel
For those who seek solace, a meditation chapel is located within the main entrance lobby.
Gundersen Palmer's chapel is available 24 hours a day and located by the front entrance. Patients may come in hospital attire and utilize the area as needed. In addition, numerous religious leaders are available within the community. Please talk with your provider or nurse for further information.
Waiting and family rooms
Waiting rooms or Family Rooms are provided in the following areas: outpatient, emergency, surgery, obstetrics (OB), and by the main entrance.
Medications are an important part of your treatment.
Tell your medical provider and nursing staff about any allergies you may have. Make sure they are aware of all prescription and non-prescription medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, vitamins, eye drops, inhalers and herbal supplements.
Don't hesitate to ask questions. If you are concerned that an important medication may have been forgotten, please question your care provider. If there is a difference in the shape or color or it doesn't look like what you normally take, ask why.
Bring all of your medications to each clinic visit or hospitalization. This helps to maintain an accurate medication list.
Do not keep any medications in your room for self-administration unless authorized by your care provider.
When you are ready for discharge, review your medications and allergies. Find out specifically which medications are new, changed and/or should be stopped or continued after you go home. You will receive written discharge instructions that includes a list of your medications, diet and activity instructions and follow-up appointments.
Billing information and financial assistance are available.