Parkwest Medical Center
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Cardiac Services
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Emergency Care Center
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Joint Replacement
Orthopedics
Parkwest Therapy Center

Physical Therapy
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Riverstone Senior
   Behavioral Center
Sleep Disorders Center
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  Information Guide
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Teddy Bear University
Volunteer Opportunities
  
                
Patient And Visitor
Information Guide
A Complete Resource of Patient Information

 
Table of Contents:

  • Accreditation and Affiliations
  • Admission
  • Advance Directives
  • ATM Machine
  • Call Light
  • Care Coordinators
  • Chaplaincy Services
  • Complaints
  • Disabilities, Translators
  • Discharge/Check-Out Procedure
  • Education
  • Employee Appreciation
  • Environmental Services
  • Ethics Committee
  • Fellowship Center
  • Financial Services
  • Food
  • Flowers
  • Gift Shop
  • Guidelines for New Parents
  • Health Information Center
  • Healthcare Team
  • Homecare/Hospice
  • Hospital Charges
  • Hotels/Lodging
  • Insurance and Financial Responsibility
  • Mail
  • Newspapers
  • Notary Publics
  • Organ/Tissue Donation
  • Parking
  • Patient's Rights and Responsibilities
  • Patient Conditions
  • Patient Representative
  • Private Nurses/Sitters
  • Safety
  • Security
  • Social Services
  • Smoking
  • Support Groups
  • Telephones (In-Room)
  • Television
  • Visiting Hours
  • Volunteers

  • Phone Numbers to Know

  • Accreditation and Affiliations    Back to Top

    Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
    Parkwest Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Our accreditation by the JCAHO represents a tradition of excellence in healthcare and continued dedication to providing you with quality care.

    Parkwest Medical Center is a member of Covenant Health. Covenant Health is an integrated healthcare delivery system headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Its services include acute care hospitals, outpatient facilities, specialized care in areas such as cancer and rehabilitation, behavioral health organizations, physician clinics, home care and a school of nursing. Covenant Health includes approximately 1,500 licensed beds, approximately 8,000 employees and about 1,000 affiliated physicians.

    Parkwest Medical Center is a member of the International Hospital Federation, the American Hospital Association, the Southeastern Hospital Conference, the Tennessee Hospital Association, the Knoxville Area Hospital Council, the American Association of Blood Banks and VHA. It is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Public Health.

  • Admission    Back to Top

    Your admission to Parkwest Medical Center has been arranged by your physician. Your room assignment has been determined by the type of medical care you require, your doctor's orders, and the availability of rooms. At times during your stay, it may become necessary for you to transfer to another floor or room in order to receive the specialized care and attention you need.

    Operating Hours:
    Admitting/Day Surgery Registration
    Monday - Friday, 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Outpatient Registration
    Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  • Advance Directives (Living Will)    Back to Top

    An advance directive is a documented decision made by an individual in advance clearly describing the level of care desired in the event of irreversible or terminal illness. A patient's desires can be expressed in a Directive to Physician (Living Will) or Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare. You should discuss with your family and doctors what you want to do in such cases and be sure to provide them copies of any directive you choose.

    • Directive to Physician (Living Will) - A Directive to Physician is a document that states what you want regarding life-sustaining procedures. The directive, which must be signed, dated and witnessed by two unrelated persons and notary public, only becomes effective if you can not make decisions for yourself.

    • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare - The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a legal document that grants an individual of your choice the right to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. The document is effective only when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Be sure to discuss your healthcare desires with the person granted Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.

    Parkwest Medical Center as a healthcare provider is obligated to provide you information regarding your rights to make decisions concerning healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment, even if that treatment is life sustaining.

    The Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare forms are available to you by contacting the following departments: Social Services - extension 5741; Patient Representative - extension 5734; Chaplain - extension 5830; Nursing Supervision-extension 0 (after 5 p.m.).

  • ATM Machine    Back to Top

    An automated teller machine is located in the surgery waiting area.

  • Call Light    Back to Top

    If you need help for any reason, push the nurse-call button and our nursing staff will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

    When you are on medication, particularly sedatives, or if you feel faint, please signal for help. Do not attempt any action or movement that could result in injury.

    Please do not lower the side rails on your bed; they have been provided for your protection. Call for assistance if you need them lowered for any reason.

  • Care Coordinators    Back to Top

    Care Coordinators are registered nurses who are working to pull together all members of the healthcare team; pharmacists, dietitians, staff nurses, social workers, physicians, etc. around your needs. They can enhance communication, problem solve with you about family or discharge issues, help to remove barriers to our providing top quality care, reduce delays in service, and assist in making sure that you receive the necessary education about your health related requirements. The care coordinator will be a link with your payer by relaying pertinent clinical information to ensure that you receive the appropriate care that you need, in the appropriate setting. To find out the name and telephone number of your care coordinator, ask the charge nurse in your clinical area, or call the hospital operator.

  • Chaplaincy Services    Back to Top

    Being hospitalized for any reason can be a time of anxiety and distress for patients and their loved ones. Chaplains are available to help you with your spiritual needs and to assist your family. They may be reached by asking the hospital operator to contact the hospital chaplain or the on-call chaplain anytime.

    The chapel is located in the hallway that leads from the cafeteria to the emergency care center. The chapel is a quiet place for those of all faiths to meditate and pray, and is open 24 hours a day.

    The chaplains' office will be happy to notify your pastor, priest, rabbi or spiritual advisor of your hospital stay at your request.

  • Complaints    Back to Top

    If you have a complaint or concern about your care, please feel free to discuss it with your physician, the nursing supervisor, or the patient representative. Most complaints can be resolved to your satisfaction by discussing them with appropriate hospital personnel or your physician. To file a complaint in writing, by phone or in person, request to speak with the manager or patient representative. You can also contact the patient representative directly at 373-1633. If you have a complaint which you feel has not been resolved by the hospital to your satisfaction you may also contact, toll free, the State of Tennessee at 1-800-852-2187, or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Office of Quality Monitoring, One Renaissance Blvd., Oakbrook, IL 60181, 1-800-994-6610 (e-mail: complaint@jcaho.org).

  • Disabilities, Translators    Back to Top

    The following services are available on request:

    • Closed caption devices for television
    • TDD (telephone telecommunication devices for the deaf)
    • Amplified handsets for telephones
    • Interpreters for the deaf
    • Interpretive services for non-English speaking patients

  • Discharge/Check-Out Procedure    Back to Top

    Your physician determines when you are to be discharged. When discharge orders have been given to the nursing staff the necessary steps for your departure begin. To assist patients who may be waiting for bed availability, we strive to complete all patient discharges by 2 p.m. To help insure a smooth and speedy discharge:

    • Ask your doctor or nurse for a list of things you should and should not do during your recuperation.
    • Obtain your diet and medication instructions.
    • Arrange to have a family member or friend take your flowers and gifts home the day before you are discharged.
    • Have a friend or family member come at least one hour before discharge to help you prepare to leave.
    • Check all drawers and closets for personal belongings.
    • Ask your nurse for any medication brought from home that we have stored for you.
    • Ask your nurse to retrieve valuables you may have placed in the hospital safe.
    • Ask your nurse about follow-up appointments with your doctor.
    • If you want any late-arriving mail and gifts to be forwarded to an address other than the one given to us at admission, please notify your nurse.

    Exits for patient pickup at discharge:
    Your nurse or courier will direct your family member(s) to the exit you will be utilizing. A staff member will bring a wheelchair to your room and take you to the discharge area to assist you with your departure.

  • Education for You & Your Family    Back to Top

    An important goal of our hospital is to enhance patient progress and promote a healthy lifestyle. Our health professionals help you and your family gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for yourself when you return home. We are interested in providing information and support to fulfill your needs. If you need additional information, please ask your nurse.

  • Employee Appreciation    Back to Top

    Our staff wants to make your stay as pleasant and caring as possible. Caring for people is what we do and our staff's greatest satisfaction comes from seeing you and, our patient, return to your normal lifestyle. Some patients and/or family members have a desire to show their appreciation to a particular employee or group of employees who have made their time at Parkwest extra special. Below are several options that you can utilize to give an employee special recognition.

    • Notice of Praise
      Upon request, we can provide you a Notice of Praise form that you can complete, detailing the service or care you received from an employee or group. The form is an excellent tool for recognition because it is reviewed by the employee's leader, is highlighted in our employee newsletter and a copy of the form is placed in the employee's personnel file.

    • Letter to our Administrator
      Another simple way to show your appreciation is by writing a letter to our Interim President, Jim VanderSteeg.

      It is a practice at Parkwest Medical Center for letters of this nature to be passed from leader to leader for review and printed in our employee newsletter for all employees to appreciate. You can mail your letter of appreciation to:

      Parkwest Medical Center
      9352 Parkwest Blvd.
      Knoxville, TN 37923
      Attention: Jim VanderSteeg

    • Chaplain's Fund
      You may choose to show your appreciation by making a donation to our Chaplain's Fund in honor of the employee(s) who provided you with extra special care. The Chaplain's Fund provides services and assistance to employees and patients who are in need throughout the year. For more information, contact Pastoral Services at extension 5830.

  • Environmental Services    Back to Top

    The employees of our environmental services department plan and perform the many tasks required to keep the hospital clean, pleasant, and cheerful. Patient rooms are cleaned daily. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Courtesy cards have been placed in each room for this purpose. If you have any concerns with the condition of your room, please let your nurse know.

  • Ethics Committee    Back to Top

    As part of our mission to provide the highest quality of personalized patient care, Parkwest Medical Center has established an Ethics Committee. Composed of representatives from our medical and nursing staffs as well as representatives from the local clergy and hospice, social services, and the community, the Ethics Committee explores and addresses ethical issues that may arise.

    Examples of ethical issues in a healthcare setting might include decisions involving the withholding of life support mechanisms or the perception that a physician or other caregiver did not provide appropriate care or did not use appropriate conduct.

    As a patient, or spouse or significant other of a patient, it is your right to bring an ethical concern to the attention of the Ethics Committee. This may be done by contacting the Patient Services Department at extension 5787. Also, any nurse or physician can contact the Ethics Committee for you.

  • Fellowship Center    Back to Top

    The Fellowship Center is a lodging and care center located near the Fort Sanders Regional campus. It is a complex of one-bedroom apartments for outpatients and caregivers that live more than 30 miles away. You can call the Fellowship Center at extension (865) 541-1725 for more information.

  • Financial Services    Back to Top

    Our financial counselors provide helpful information and answers to concerns about insurance coverage, payment arrangements, TennCare and other financial issues relating to your hospital stay. The counselors are available from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and may be reached by dialing directly to (865) 531-4424 or (865) 694-5690.

  • Food    Back to Top

    • Patient Meal Service - Our food and nutrition services department takes pleasure in serving you nutritious and appetizing meals. Each day a representative will come to your room to present your next day menu and obtain your choices. Please feel free at that time to inform them of any likes or dislikes you may have. Please remember that your choices will be prepared according to the diet that your doctor prescribed. Meals are delivered to patient floors according to the following schedules:

      Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
      Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
      Supper: 4:30 p.m. - 5:40 p.m.

      A member of your nursing team will deliver your tray to you shortly after it arrives on the floor. Should you have any questions regarding your diet or service of your food, one of our dietitians or a staff member will be happy to assist you. You may reach us by dialing extensions 5027 or 5028.

    • Cafeteria Meal Service - The cafeteria offers a daily variety of hot and cold menu items, including soup and salad bar. In addition to cafeteria items, popular name brand foods such as pizza are available. Several days a week, local restaurants are featured as well. Days/times of operation are as follows:

      Monday - Friday
      Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
      Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
      Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
      Late Night: 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.

      Weekends & Holidays
      Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
      Dinner:4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    To hear daily cafeteria menu items, call our menu line at extension 3663.

    Vending machines are located throughout the hospital. Expanded vending areas are located on the lobby level, first floor at the Blue elevators, emergency department waiting lounge and surgery waiting lounge.

    Guest trays for visitors may be purchased in the cashier's office. Selections are the same as general unit patients receive, and the trays are delivered to the room at the patient's mealtime.

  • Flowers    Back to Top

    Flowers are delivered to patient rooms by hospital volunteers each weekday.

  • Gift Shop    Back to Top

    Located on the lobby level of the hospital, the gift shop offers a wide selection of personal hygiene items, newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, flowers, candy and a variety of gift items.

    Gift shop hours:
    Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Sunday, Noon - 6:00 p.m.

  • Guidelines for New Parents    Back to Top

    For the safety of your baby:

    • Fathers of newborn children can visit 24-hours a day.
    • Only give your baby to a staff member with the proper identification badge. A white coat is not adequate identification.
    • Never leave your baby unsupervised.
    • Notify the nurse immediately when unscheduled tests or lab work is required.
    • Try to know the nurses by name. Do not consider yourself a nuisance if you want to check out anything that seems unusual.
    • A baby should not be carried out of the room in a nurse's or physician's arms. Anyone who attempts to carry the baby should be reported at once.
    • Call the nurses' station and let them know if somebody other than the nurse is attempting to take the baby out of the room.
    • State law requires that a baby must be discharged from the hospital in a car seat. Please be sure you have a car seat before leaving the hospital.
    • Grandparents are allowed to hold babies in the mother's room.
    • Fathers or a significant other are given an identification bracelet. It must be worn until the baby is discharged form the hospital.

  • Health Information Center (Physician Referral)    Back to Top

    Fort Sanders Health Information Center is located at the Fort Sanders Regional campus. Health information specialists are available from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday, to assist you with physician referral, community speakers, and general community health services information. If you have any questions concerning these or any other services, which Fort Sanders offers, call 673-FORT(3678).

  • Healthcare Team    Back to Top

    • Your Physician Your physician understands your healthcare needs and will coordinate your medical care throughout your stay in the hospital. Tests, medications, diets, and treatments are prescribed by him/her. Other healthcare professions work closely with your physician to carry out the details of your treatment plan.

    • Your Nurse The nursing staff at Parkwest Medical Center reflects our commitment to excellence in healthcare. They are experienced professionals who work in partnership with your physician and other members of the healthcare team. They are a vital link in your comprehensive medical care. A nurse is available to you 24 hours a day. Whenever you need assistance, please press your call button. Keep in mind that your nurse may be with another patient or reviewing your records. Rest assured that a nurse will respond as quickly as possible.

    • Other Medical Support Services Other healthcare professionals will be involved in various aspects of your care. Some of these services include radiology, laboratory, EKG, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, pharmacy and many others.

  • HomeCare/Hospice    Back to Top

    Covenant HomeCare and Hospice
    Covenant HomeCare is committed to providing the highest quality home care services to help patients maintain their independence and stay at home. Covenant HomeCare offers comprehensive home care services including skilled nursing, certified nursing assistants, rehabilitation services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy), medical social services, and mental health services.

    Covenant HomeCare Hospice provides support and care for terminally ill patients so that they may live as fully and as comfortably as possible. Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end of life, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient and family's needs and wishes. The focus is on caring, not curing, and in most cases care is provided in the patient's home or in a home-like setting.

    Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with branch offices in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Morristown. For more information about Covenant HomeCare and Hospice, call (865) 374-0600.

    Home care and hospice services are provided based on orders received from the patient's physician. The hospital discharge planners or home care coordinators can assist in arranging the services ordered by the physician prior to hospital discharge.

  • Hospital Charges    Back to Top

    The charge for your room depends on the type of accommodations provided. The charge includes the cost of your room and meals, the supplies and equipment contained within your room, housekeeping services, the services of other support personnel, and 24-hour nursing care. Other charges that may be incurred are ancillary charges and professional charges.

    • Ancillary charges are charges for services that may include laboratory tests, supplies, medications, physical therapy, x-rays, operating room charges, and others. Ancillary charges will appear on your hospital bill.

    • Professional charges are the charges for your attending and/or consulting physicians and are billed separately. Consulting may include radiologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, and any other consultants that your attending physician deems necessary. These professional charges are NOT considered a part of the hospital bill.

    If you have any questions concerning our billing procedure or if you would like a copy of your bill, please call our business office at extension 5706. We will be happy to assist you.

  • Hotels / Lodging    Back to Top

    For information on discounted hotel and lodging rates, please contact the patient representative at 373-1633.

  • Insurance and Financial ResponsibilityBack to Top

    If you are like most patients, you have come to Parkwest Medical Center with insurance coverage. It is to your benefit to supply all insurance coverage you have at the time of admission, including medicare supplements, spouse's policy, individual policies and other liability insurance. After the insurance has been verified and the procedure completed, a claim will be issued for the full bill. The amount the insurance company will pay is determined by the company, not the hospital.

    If you are covered by more than one insurance company, a claim will be processed with all companies. If there is an overpayment, a refund will be made to the appropriate party within the guidelines of Tennessee law.

    The remainder of the bill not covered by the insurance companies is the responsibility of the patient. *NOTE: Even though the hospital files an insurance claim on your behalf, your assistance in resolving unpaid insurance claims is most appreciated.

  • Mail    Back to Top

    Mail is delivered to patient rooms by hospital volunteers each weekday. Mail received at the hospital after the patient's discharge will be forwarded to the patient's address.

  • Newspapers    Back to Top

    Newspapers are for sale at the following locations:

    • Main entrance
    • Surgery waiting room entrance

  • Notary Publics    Back to Top

    Should you require the services of a notary public during your hospital stay, please call the patient representative at extension 5734 or the nursing house supervisor at extension 5820 to schedule an appointment. Notary services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for holidays. Notaries employed by the hospital will notarize healthcare related documents in accordance with hospital policy, and they reserve the right to perform or refuse any notary service.

  • Organ/Tissue Donation    Back to Top

    If you choose to become an organ donor, sign an organ donor card in the presence of two witnesses. In the event of your death, your healthcare providers will know your decisions. Before you become an organ donor, be sure to discuss the decision with your family. TO learn more about organ/tissue donation, contact our organ donor liaison at extension 5717.

  • Parking    Back to Top

    Complimentary visitor parking is available just outside the main entrance of the hospital. For the safety of our visitors, an escort to your car is available by calling security at extension 1309.

  • Patient's Rights and Responsibilities    Back to Top

    Parkwest Medical Center wants you to have the best possible care as prescribed or recommended by those who are treating you. We want you to know your rights as a patient, as well as your obligations to yourself, your physician and the hospital. We encourage you or those who represent you to talk openly to those involved with your care.

    You have the right:

    • To have impartial access to the medical resources of the hospital.
    • To have considerate, respectful care.
    • To limit those persons who visit you.
    • To expect your personal privacy to be respected to the fullest extent consistent with the care prescribed for you.
    • To expect records pertaining to your care, including the source of payment for treatment, to be kept confidential.
    • To know the professional status of the individuals providing your care.
    • To hear from your primary physician, in language you understand, your diagnosis, the treatment prescribed, the prognosis of your illness, and any instruction required for follow-up care.
    • To talk openly with your physician.
    • To know the reason you are given various tests and treatments.
    • To know the general nature and inherent risk of any procedure for treatments.
    • To change your mind about any procedure for which you have given your consent.
    • To refuse to sign a consent form when you feel everything has not been explained to your satisfaction.
    • To refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action.
    • To request a consultation or a second opinion from another physician.
    • To appropriate assessment and management of pain.
    • To examine your hospital bill and to receive an explanation of it.
    • To have information about the hospital's mechanism for the initiation, review and resolution of patient complaints.
    • To request the Ethics Committee meet to address ethical concerns in your treatment and care.
    • To present any complaints you may have regarding your care by contacting the Patient Representative (extension 1611) or dial "O" for the hospital operator.
    • To have your chosen representative exercise these rights for you if you are not able to do so.

    You, in turn, have the responsibility:

    • To provide accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health.
    • To report unexpected changes in your condition to your nurse and physician.
    • To notify your physician or nurse if you do not understand your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or what is expected of you.
    • To give cooperation and to follow the treatment plan recommended for you by your physician, nurses, or allied health personnel.
    • To assume the consequences if you refuse treatment or do not follow your practitioners' instructions.
    • To accept the financial obligation associated with your care.
    • To know and follow hospital rules and regulations.
    • To be considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel, and to assist in the control of noise, smoking and the number of visitors you receive.
    • To advise your nurse, physician, and/or Patient Representative of any dissatisfaction you may have regarding your care.
    These Patient's Rights and Responsibilities are based on policies established by Parkwest Medical Center.

  • Patient Conditions    Back to Top

    Maintaining patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance to our staff. When family members and friends call to inquire about a patient, they are given the condition of the patient only. Conditions are defined as follows:

    • FAIR
      Vital signs stable and the patient is not required intensive care and intensive observation.

    • SERIOUS
      The Patient is requiring close observation, possibly due to having a procedure performed. The patient may be requiring special equipment and/or medications and vital signs may not be stable.

    • CRITICAL
      The patient is requiring special equipment and/or medications. Vital signs probably are not stable and the patient is needing intensive care and observation.

    • GRAVE
      The patient is requiring special equipment and/or medications, possibly "life support and may not be responding to efforts to improve his/her condition. The patient is requiring intensive care and observation.
    These are generalized definitions and give only a small amount of information about the patient's situation. The best way to obtain information is to call another family member who is with the patient or has spoken with the physician. When you visit you may be able to speak directly with the physician, the nurse caring for the patient or the nurse in charge.

  • Patient Representative    Back to Top

    If you have a problem and are not sure who can help, please call our patient representative. The patient representative and volunteer assistants are here to be of service to you and your family. They are your link to the medical center's staff and can help with many matters concerning your hospital stay. They are available to answer questions, hear suggestions and respond to your concerns.

    To speak with a patient representative call extension 5734, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. You may leave a message after hours, or the hospital operator (dial "O") will direct your call to the appropriate person any time you have an immediate concern.

  • Private Nurses / Sitters    Back to Top

    Should you require the services of private nurses or sitters, you should contact our social services department for a listing of services available. You reach this department by dialing extension 5741.

  • Safety    Back to Top

    Parkwest Medical Center is concerned with your safety. To make sure your stay is a safe one, follow these suggestions:

    • Signal for your nurse and ask for help when you are attempting some action or movement that may result in an accidental fall or strain.
    • Wear nonskid slippers when you walk around the hospital. If you do not have slippers, your nurse can obtain them for you. (You will be billed for them.)
    • Comply with instructions about getting out of bed with assistance.
    • Follow the non-smoking policy.
    • Place your eyeglasses in full view and away from the bed so they don't get lost in the linen or carried off by mistake.
    • Place dentures in a clearly labeled denture cup when not in use. A denture cup can be provided if you don't have one. Never place your dentures or denture cup on a food tray.
    • Ask questions about your treatment or other directions.
    • Never think we're too busy to help you. You're the reason we are here.
    • Visitors must wear a shirt and shoes at all times, children included.

  • Security    Back to Top

    As are all hospitals, Parkwest Medical Center is a public place. Please take precautions to safeguard your valuables while your are here. The hospital cannot be held responsible for the loss of money or other valuables kept in your room.

    Please do not bring valuables with you to the hospital. If possible, send them home with a family member or check your valuables with the security department before or immediately upon going to your room. Your nursing staff can arrange to have valuables checked for you. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aides and dentures should be kept in protective containers when not in use. Please do not wrap in tissue, paper towels or pieces of hospital linen.

    For the safety of our guests, visitors remaining after visiting hours must obtain a visitor's badge from the nursing unit or security office. After 8:30 p.m. all visitors should enter the hospital through the entrance near the emergency department.

    Parkwest Medical Center security officers are duly commissioned Knox County Deputy Sheriffs. You are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activity to security as soon as possible. Our security office is located in the hallway just outside the emergency care center and can be reached by calling extension 1309.

  • Social Services    Back to Top

    Worried about being in the hospital ... separated from home and job? Do you have questions about your stay? Insurance? Follow-up care? These are all legitimate worries for someone in the hospital. Social services has a social worker assigned to each floor to assist with discharge planning, referrals to community resources, counseling and referrals for TennCare.

    You may ask your doctor, nurse, or therapist to make a referral to social services or you may call directly by dialing extension 5741.

  • Smoking    Back to Top

    Parkwest Medical Center is dedicated to providing a clean, safe environment for our patients. Since smoking is a known fire hazard and due to the proven harmful effects of tobacco, and in an effort to promote health and wellness within the hospital facility, we offer a smoke-free interior environment. Currently, smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas located outside the main/admitting entrance, outside the surgery and emergency care center entrances, and just outside the entrance to outpatient services.

    The hospital will furnish nicotine patches free of charge to those patients needing assistance with nicotine withdrawal.

  • Support Groups    Back to Top

    • Stroke Survivor
    • AIDS
    • Cardiac Rehabilitation Outpatient Program
    • Alzheimer's Support Group
    • American Cancer Society offers a variety of support groups, information and educational presentations. Call 584-1668 for more information.
    Ask your nurse for more information on these and other support groups.

  • Telephones (In-room)    Back to Top

    • Local Calls
      Dial "9" followed by the seven-digit number. There is no charge for any local calls within our service area. For local information, dial 9 followed by 1411. There are no charges for local calls.

    • Long Distance Call from Patient's Room
      For AT&T, dial 8+0+0, then wait for operator assistance.
      For BellSouth, dial 8+0, then wait for operator assistance.
      Long distance calls must be billed to a third party.

    • To Reach the Hospital Operator
      For any questions, dial "O" for operator assistance.

    • To Dial Patient Rooms From Outside the Hospital
      Dial directly to a patient room from outside the hospital by dialing (865) 373-4+ room number. Exceptions: The Cardiac Specialty Unit can be reached by dialing (865) 373-4 + three-digit room number. Critical Care and Ambulatory Staging rooms cannot be reached by phone, but inquiries can be directed to the Critical Care waiting area at (865) 373-1557 or Ambulatory Staging unit at (865) 373-1420.

    Public telephones are located throughout the hospital for the convenience of our visitors.

    For telephone repairs and problems, please have a staff member notify the hospital operator.

  • Television    Back to Top

    Parkwest Medical Center provides local cable television programming. You will be able to watch most of the channels you may already be familiar with at home, and more!

    If you experience any difficulty with your television, please inform your nurse so they may notify our in-house television staff.

  • Visiting Hours    Back to Top

    Parkwest Medical Center's primary concern is for the welfare and speedy recovery of our patients. To this end, we ask that guests exercise special courtesy and sensitivity in scheduling visits. General visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Some patients and special care areas, however, do have restricted visiting hours. We thank you for your cooperation in observing this schedule and any other visiting restrictions posted in the interest of individual patients.

    Visiting Hours in Special Care Areas (ICU/CCU/MICU)

    Patients in critical care are very ill and have an increased need for rest so they can heal and recuperate.

    Visitation times are as follows - 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thirty-minutes are allowed for visitation. Only two visitors per patient at one time.

    Volunteers    Back to Top

    Parkwest Medical Center is fortunate to have a family of volunteers possessing a wide range of talents and experience. Whether they are greeting visitors, escorting patients, comforting a family in time of need or helping in the gift shop, our volunteers are known for their devotion to others. Volunteers supplement the work of our professional staff to better meet your needs. If you would like additional information on volunteer services, please dial extension 5678.


  • Phone Numbers to Know    Back to Top

    Area/Department:Extension:
    Administration31001
    Admitting31200
    Business Office374-3000
    Cashier Office31242
    Chaplain31630
    Gift Shop 31590
    Housekeeping31880
    House Supervisor31990
    Patient Information30036
    Patient Representative31633
    Security31801
    Social Services31479

    *Note: Add 373 in front of numbers when calling from outside the hospital.

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    JCAHO Accreditation Promotes Quality

    Parkwest Medical Center takes action to provide the highest quality of care possible. This includes gaining accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Accreditation is a nationwide “seal of approval” showing a hospital meets high standards. As the leader in certification of healthcare organizations, the Joint Commission provides tools to hospitals which help them:

    • Improve their performance
    • Ensure the safety of patients
    • Ensure a safe care environment
      
    At Parkwest Medical Center, we invite patients and families with any concerns about safety or quality to please speak with our management staff. If issues are not satisfactorily resolved, you may contact JCAHO at:

    Division of Accreditation Operations
    Office of Quality Monitoring
    Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
    One Renaissance Boulevard
    Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
    Fax: 630-792-5636
    E-mail: complaint@jcaho.org

    Parkwest Medical Center