Visitor Guide
Information and Communication About Patients
To comply with federal guidelines, staff members can only answer questions and provide updates to a designated support person or a decision-maker. The support person will act as the spokesperson and is responsible for receiving updates and relaying the information to all other family members and friends. Friends and extended family should be instructed to contact the spokesperson with questions instead of calling the ICU. When the support person leaves the ICU, he or she should leave a phone number so we can make contact if there is any significant change in your loved one’s condition.
Telephone - Wi-Fi
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 to find them if
needed. Wireless service is available if
you wish to access the internet. Like
other public access locations, the guest
wireless network is not secure. Take precautions
when using this service because
the information could be intercepted
by another wireless user. A computer or
wireless device, like any valuable, is at
risk if not secured. Willis-Knighton does
not accept responsibility for the personal
equipment of patients and visitors.
Security
Our hospitals and campuses are
regularly patrolled by qualified security
staff. Visitors leaving a patient care area
late at night may call the operator to
request security accompaniment to their
vehicles.
Smoking Restrictions
Visitors should note that smoking of
tobacco products or e-cigarettes is
prohibited on all Willis-Knighton
properties. The decision to quit smoking
is an important step in becoming healthier.
If you need help to quit smoking, call
the WK Tobacco Treatment Clinic,
(318) 212-4402.
Restroom Facilities
Handicapped restroom facilities and
water fountains are available through the
hospital. Ask the switchboard operator
for the location nearest you. Please do
not use restrooms in patient rooms.
Overnight Visitors
Overnight 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 leave personal
pillows and blankets at home.
Privacy
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. Use of cameras
is prohibited without permission from a
doctor, hospital administrator or nursing
supervisor.