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Patient and Family Guide

PATIENTS AND VISITORS
A family with a young daughter smiles in an outdoor portrait with a WMC healthcare provider

Whether you arrived due to an unexpected emergency or a pre-planned procedure, we understand that your ultimate goal is to get home as soon as possible. We want to make your stay as comfortable and easy as possible while you’re here. 

WMCHealth is committed to safe quality, state-of-the-art care for all our patients. For us, the hospital patient experience extends far beyond your stay in a hospital room. Our care team members are often friends and neighbors to the patients we see and treat, and we know a warm, comforting environment is part of the healing process. Here is the patient information you will need during your stay.

Stand-out Accommodations at WMCHealth

The aquarium at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The aquarium at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
  • Access to the Best Care: At WMCHealth, your care team could include nurses, physicians, surgeons, specialists, physical therapists, case managers, dieticians, and much more. Whatever your need, our experts are on hand, on location. They are the top talent New York has to offer, and they all have a goal of providing the specialized attention you deserve. 
  • Inviting Spaces: From a walk-through aquarium at our pediatric hospital, to relaxing areas like gardens and walking paths throughout our healthcare system, we aim to create an atmosphere of comfort, peace, and support.  
  • Connected Convenience: Check on test results through your myCare portal, request medical records online, and schedule telehealth visits for follow-up care.
  • Resources for Caregivers: We provide resources and accommodations to family and friends, as we know how important they are to your health and healing. Find resources by location here.

Patient Services

We aim to provide support and comfort with our many services, including:

  • Dining services, including Kosher and Halal options
  • Support groups
  • Legal services
  • Hearing and vision assistance
  • Mail services
  • Concierge services

In addition, we provide spiritual services in the following locations:

For a full list of service, visiting hours, parking information and more please visit our individual location pages. 

Our Commitment to Patient Care

Our commitment to community care at WMCHealth begins with ensuring patient safety. We aim to provide a safe, comfortable patient experience for everyone we treat. This approach includes:

Patient Safety 

  • Fall Prevention: At WMCHealth, we want to avoid any possible setbacks during your stay with us. This is why one of the first things we do upon your admission is have a nurse assess your fall risk. If you are at risk of falling, we will help you get out of bed and move around your room as part of our plan to ensure the safety of your hospital patient experience.
  • Medications: When you are admitted to our facilities, let your care team know all your medications. We are here to assist you, so please be forthcoming with all the information you have about your current medicines and ask your care team any questions you may have about potential drug interactions and side effects. 
  • Hand hygiene: Our healthcare providers must wash and sanitize their hands before and after seeing every patient. We recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after many activities, like eating, going to the bathroom or touching anything that may have been potentially soiled. 

Patient Communication

To make your hospital patient experience as pleasant as possible, WMCHealth is committed to keeping you informed at every stage of your stay. During your time with us, we encourage you to take an active role in getting to know your healthcare team. Some ways you can do that include:

  • Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask members of your care team to identify themselves and explain their role in your care. All care team members must wear ID badges to help you recognize them as they care for you. If you don’t understand what you are being treated for, let us know so we can explain. If you are unsure about a procedure or a technical term, we are happy to pause and walk you through anything you need clarified.
  • Speak Up: In addition to asking questions, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Let your care team know what is working for you and what makes you uncomfortable. 
  • Take Notes: Write down the names of your care team members, and feel free to make note of anything they do that stands out, whether for excellence in care or something that can be improved. Share these notes with your care team whenever you can to aid them in providing you with the best possible care.
  • Never Ignore Pain. If you are ever in pain, tell a care team member. Our job is to ensure your comfort and attend to anything that needs extra attention. Do not hesitate to advocate for yourself or ask a family member to advocate for you. Remember, we are here for you.

Your Health and Well being Are Our Priority 

At WMCHealth, every patient’s satisfaction is essential to our mission. We are always looking for ways to improve our services and we welcome any comments and ideas you may have to help us provide excellent community care and treatment.