Strong partnerships between patients, families and those who provide their care greatly improve patient safety and quality of care. Research shows patients and their loved ones who take part in decisions about their healthcare are more likely to have better results.

It's OK to Ask
Everyone has a role in making healthcare safe - hospital staff, as well as patients and families, all play an important part. Since communication is key to providing a safe environment, we encourage you to talk with doctors, nurses and other caregivers about the care your loved one is receiving.

Strong partnerships between patients, their family members and those who provide their care greatly improve patient safety and quality of care. Research shows patients who take part in their healthcare decisions are more likely to have better results.

Bronson is moving to a patient- and family-centered care delivery model where we will place even more emphasis on involving patients and families in their plan of care. At the heart of patient- and family-centered care is the belief that patients and families, with the patient's permission, are partners with healthcare providers and have input into decisions and choices to best meet the needs of the patient. Communication about the patient's health is openly shared with the patient. This collaboration helps achieve the best results, improves quality and safety, and reduces costs. Bronson's Family Advisory Council gives families a voice in decisions that affect patient care and family experiences at the hospital.

Patient Relations
Bronson's Patient Relations department is available to patients, families and visitors to assist with any concerns, complaints, problems or suggestions about their care or service. The team acts as a personal liaison between a patient, their family and the hospital. Contact Patient Relations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (269) 341-8959. For urgent needs, page (269) 388-1374. You may also complete the Patient Feedback Form.

Visiting Hours and Accommodations
Bronson values families as an important part of the patient care team. When someone you love is in the hospital, we understand that you may want to stay close. We will help make you as comfortable as possible with either our reclining chairs or sleeper sofas. Depending on the patient's condition, we encourage only one family member or friend to stay with the patient overnight.

Other family members and friends are welcome in the patient's room between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Usually, only two guests are allowed in the room at a time so the patient can rest better. We understand there may be times where more is appropriate. A lot depends on how the patient feels. If the patient has many visitors, some may want to wait in a public area and take turns visiting the patient. An adult other than the patient must supervise children under age 18. Support from friends and family is important for recovery. Please understand that rest and relaxation are too.

Because many families and visitors use the public waiting areas, we ask that you respect the rights of others who are using this space. Please do not use televisions, radios or other noise-producing items. The Fire Marshal prohibits the use of electrical devices in these areas. Personal belongings should be kept with you or in your vehicle. Bronson is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Food should be consumed in one of the cafeterias - the SkyCourt Café, located on the Garden Level of the South Campus, or the Terrace Café, located on the first floor of the North Campus.

The critical condition of many patients in the Burn, Cardiac Surgery, Coronary Care, Medical Intensive Care, Trauma Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Pediatric Intensive Care units requires special visitor restrictions. Please review visiting guidelines on these units with a unit staff person.

Our most comfortable overnight option for family members of patients in critical care units is the Hospitality House. Located just a few blocks from Bronson, the Hospitality House provides lodging for out-of-town families of our patients. It is also open to visitors who are not overnight guests, but who wish to use its shower or kitchen facilities. Although there is no charge to stay at the Hospitality House, donations are welcome. Ask your nurse to contact the hospital chaplain or social worker for a referral, and then call Bronson Security at (269) 341-7893 for your complimentary shuttle service.

Bronson also has arrangements with area hotels for discounted rates for our patients' families. In addition, there are a limited number of sleep rooms available. Ask your nurse to call the chaplain for more information about either of these options.

We want you to have a pleasant stay with your family member or friend. If there is anything else we can do, please call the operator by dialing "0," visit the nurse's station, or contact Patient Relations at (269) 341-8959.

Cellular Phones
Cellular phones and other electronic devices may be used on vibrate. Most patients heal best in a quiet setting. Please hold your conversations in public areas or waiting rooms so the patient can rest.

Parking

North Campus
On Bronson's North Campus, patients and visitors may park in the Jasper Street Ramp for free, seven days a week and holidays.

South Campus
Patients, family members and visitors may park in the Vine Street Ramp for free, seven days a week and holidays. Parking is also available at the corner of Vine and Jasper streets, at several lots along Jasper Street, and at Walnut and John streets by the Emergency Department entrance. For your convenience, valet parking is also available for a nominal fee at the Main Entrance (601 John Street).

Condition Reports
Patients must sign the Notice of Privacy Practices form before a condition may be given. It is helpful if one or two family members are chosen to be the key point of contact for sharing information. These representatives may call the nursing unit at any time to get an update on a patient's condition. They must state their name, patient's name and relationship to the patient. According to privacy laws, the staff can give only limited information over the phone. Media requests for information are handled by Bronson's Media Relations Specialist at (269) 341-8747.

Shuttle Service
Guests traveling between the South Campus and North Campus can use the shuttle service. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from several stops in the tunnel. Phones and benches are located at each stop so visitors can call for a ride and sit while they wait.

Escort Service
For help getting from one location to the next, please contact Bronson's Escort Service at (269) 806-1394 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Or, dial "0" from any house phone after hours or on weekends and a hospital representative will assist you. The Escort Service is also available to make sure you return to your vehicle safely.

Chapels
There is a Chapel on the first floor of the East Pavilion and on the first floor of the North Pavilion. Visitors of all denominations are welcome 24 hours a day.

Pastoral Care/Hospital Chaplains
The Pastoral Care staff is available to patients and their families 24 hours a day. Hospital chaplains provide support or can help you contact your own clergy or other religious resources. Ask the nurse to page the chaplain for you or dial (269) 341-7444 from a house phone and leave your name and room number.

Bronson HealthAnswers
Bronson HealthAnswers is a free health information center for patients, their families and the public. It offers doctor referrals and information on a wide range of health topics.

Bronson HealthAnswers is located on the first floor of the Medical Office Pavilion across from the Outpatient Pharmacy/Gift Shop on Bronson's South Campus. Visit in person Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or, call (269) 341-7723 or (800) 451-6310. Ask questions online or e-mail answers@bronsonhealth.com.

Bronson HealthAnswers also loans laptop computers and Web-cams for use in the hospital room. Call (269) 341-7727.

Gift Shops
There are two gift shops on Bronson's campus - the South Campus Gift Shop, located just inside the Main Entrance, has a large selection of items for babies, children and adults. It also has cards, fresh flowers, reading materials, and snacks and beverages. Certain gifts, such as food, fresh flowers and live plants, are not allowed in the critical care units and Burn Unit. Please check with a hospital staff member if you are unsure.

The Outpatient Pharmacy is located inside the South Campus Gift Shop. Outpatient Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed holidays and weekends. Call 341-6990 for more information. Most prescription insurance plans are accepted. Over-the-counter medications, as well as various health, beauty and hygiene products are also available.

The North Campus Gift Shop specializes in new mother and baby items. It is located on the first floor of the North Pavilion. Both gift shops are open daily. Check the doors where specific hours are posted.

Giving Back
Many patients and their families express their feelings by making a financial contribution that may help other families in need, offer additional patient support, provide extra services, or assist in staff recognition and training. Your tax-deductible contribution can be undesignated or designated toward one of Bronson's endowment funds: Cancer Treatment, Children's Health, Good Neighbor, Pastoral, Senior Adult Services, Women's Health or Scholarship. All donors are recognized for their generosity and caring for others.

Please call (269) 341-8100 for more information or send your contribution to:

Bronson Health Foundation
601 John Street, Box C
Kalamazoo, MI 49007